EASTON, Pa. – Imani Watkins has joined the Lafayette women's basketball staff as the program's new assistant coach under ninth-year head coach Kia Damon-Olson.

"We are excited to welcome Imani Watkins to our program. Imani had a standout career at Binghamton University before competing professionally for five years and she brings a wealth of experience and passion for the game," said Damon-Olson. "Her background in both playing at the highest levels and coaching at the high school level will add tremendous value to our student-athletes. We look forward to the energy, knowledge and leadership she will contribute to our team."

Since August of 2023, Watkins has been working as a sixth-grade social studies and science teacher at Guilford County Schools in Greensboro, N.C.

Prior to her stint as an educator, the High Point, N.C. native secured a coaching role as an assistant varsity and head JV coach with West Guilford High School's boys' basketball in 2021. In addition to her day-to-day coaching responsibilities, Watkins aided the team by organizing travel plans, use of equipment and communication with parents and staff.

The former Bearcat landed her first teaching gig in August of 2022 as a long-term substitute teacher at Guilford County Schools.

After graduating from Binghamton in 2018 with a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology, Watkins entered the pro basketball scene. From September of 2018 to February 2023 the guard played for AC Poak (Greece), Istanbul University (Turkey), Cidra Bravas (Puerto Rico), Halcones de Xalapa (Mexico) and the Gisa Lions (Germany). She also played for CS Sfaxien in Tunisia during the African Cup.

During her time at Binghamton, Watkins was a force to be reckoned with. She finished her career as the Bearcats' all-time leading scorer with 2,125 points, which also ranks ninth all-time within the America East's history. Over four seasons, Watkins started in all 122 games, averaging 17.3 ppg, 5.0 rpg, 3.3 apg and 2.2 spg. She is a three-time America East All-Conference selection and in 2018 she was the conference's player of the year.

The Leopards begin their 2025-26 season with a trip to Villanova on Nov. 3.
 

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