Rock Valley College

Rock Valley College Athletics
3301 N Mulford Rd Rockford, IL 61114

NJCAA Illinois Midwest

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Kevan Watkins

Rock Valley College has selected Kevan Watkins as its next Head Women's Soccer coach. Watkins has more than 20 years of coaching soccer across all levels of the collegiate game, ODP, high school, and club soccer. He holds National Licenses through United States Soccer and National Diplomas through United Soccer Coaches.

During the 2022-2023 season the Rock Valley College Women's Soccer Program rounded out their first season in NJCAA DII competition. The season saw 13 new additions join a core group of 7 from the 2021 season. The team finished 10-4 on the year, and qualified for the NJCAA DII Region IV tournament. The women scored 59 goals in 14 games averaging 4.21 goals a game falling just shy of the program record. The 2016 Golden Eagles scored 62 goals in 18 games. Three players were honored as NJCAA Region IV First Team Awards, one NJCAA All American - Honorable Mention, a NJCAA and United Soccer Coaches Player of the Week, two NJCAA Academic All Americans, and a Theta Chi Alpha National Honor Society recipient.

Watkins started started with the Rock Valley College Women's Soccer program in July of 2021. He helped grow the roster from 5 to 16 players in the first month at RVC. The program was able to finish with 3 wins and qualified for the NJCAA Region IV Tournament. Two players received N4C Conference and All Region First Team Awards and four players received N4C Conference and All Region Second Team Awards. Three players were NJCAA Academic All-Americans and three Theta Chi Alpha National Honor Society recipients.

Watkins stays active coaching in the community with the Rockford Raptors U-23 team that competed in the IWSL and finishing the 2023 season as State Champions, Regional Champions, and finished 4th in the United States Adult Soccer National Tournament. The 2022 season saw the team finish as State Finalists, Region Champions, and competed in the National Tournament. Watkins also is currently a head staff coach working with the Rockford Raptors ECNL National League, Regional League, and Juniors programs.

Watkins served as a Head Staff Coach with Alabama Youth Soccer Olympic Development Program from 2013 to 2021 working with both girls and boys programs. Watkins helped develop players for the state of Alabama and Region III, which identified two players for the youth National Team Pool and 28 players selected for the Region III Team in their respective age groups. Watkins has an extensive history in men's and women's soccer. He was the assistant men's soccer coach from 2004-2005 and in the Spring of 2011 at NCAA DI Stetson University. Watkins then worked as an assistant women's coach at Shorter University helping them transition from NAIA to NCAA DII. Program highlights include transitioning from NAIA (Southern States Athletic Conference) to NCAA Division II (Gulf South Conference). During this time helping the program to a historic record of 14-9 in first eligible season in NCAA DII. Coaching an NCAA DII and NCCAA 2nd team All American. NCCAA Region Champions and entrance to the National Tournament. 7 Players named CoSIDA Academic All District and 3 All Conference 1st Team. From 2018 to 2021 Watkins assisted with the NCAA DIII Berry College Men's Soccer program, which finished the 2019 season with a 9-8-2 record, and qualified for the SAC Tournament Semifinal. The season concluded with the following awards; 1 Division III All Region Second Team Selection, 1 Southern Athletic Association First Team selection and Conference Offensive Player of the Year, 2 Southern Athletic Conference Second Team Selections, 1 Southern Athletic Association Sportsmanship Team Selection, and 11 Southern Athletic Association Academic Honor Roll. The 2018 season saw the program finish with a record of 10-5-2. 5 All – Southern Athletic Association Conference selections. 1 Google Cloud Academic All – District Team selection.

"I would like to thank Athletic Director Darin Monroe, President Dr. Spearman, and the search committee for trusting me with the opportunity to become the 2nd women's soccer coach in Rock Valley College history. Soccer has always been a big part of my life and an aspect that I am passionate about. It has always held a special place in my heart, as it is the one thing that allowed me to instantly become part of a community no matter where I live." Stated Kevan Watkins.

"I would like to welcome Kevan Watkins, wife Melja, and children Kallia and Kayden to the Rock Valley College family" Athletic Director Darin Monroe said. "Kevan brings a wealth of experience to our Women's Soccer program having served in many capacities at all levels of college soccer. Kevan also has experience as a College Psychology Instructor, which will be extremely beneficial as we continue to move our department forward in a positive direction. The future of our Women's Soccer program is very bright under Coach Watkins."

Watkins also played the game at a high level competing in the Premier Development League, for Cocoa Expos, 2001 – 2004. In 2001 the Expos reached the Eastern Conference Final 2001 (Finalist) / Southeast Region Champions 2001. Exhibition games vs. MLS Tampa Bay Mutiny, MLS Miami Fusion, Haitian National Team, multiple USA U17 National Teams. Watkins also played NCAA Division I Men's Soccer at Stetson University, 1997 – 2001. He was 4-year starter and letter winner. 3- time qualifier for the Trans Athletic Conference Tournament. He recorded 20 Career Points (Assists and Goals).

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Erin DiSanti

Erin DiSanti (Rockford, IL) joins the Rock Valley College women's staff after completing a her collegiate playing career at Rock Valley College and Rockford University.

The Boylan Catholic graduate started 28 games for the Golden Eagles, scoring seven goals and thirteen assists. DiSanti was named to both the First Team All-Conference and First Team All-Region IV teams in 2015 and 2016, graduating with a 22-7-2 record at RVC.

As a Rockford Regent, DiSanti started in all 36 games as a junior and senior, scoring nine goals and recording three assist.

DiSanti graduated in 2020 with a Psychology degree and is currently earning her Masters at Northern Illinois University in Sport Psychology. DiSanti currently resides in Rockford, IL.