Watkins to Play for Utah Blitzz

PROVO -- Chris Watkins, an assistant coach for the BYU women's soccer team and the head coach of the men's soccer club team, has signed a one-year contract to play for the Utah Blitzz of the United Soccer League.

Watkins, a 6-foot-2 forward from Kansas City, Kan., will start playing with the Blitzz immediately since the season is already underway.

"My window of opportunity to play professionally is closing and this is one way I can fulfill my lifelong dream to play professionally," said Watkins. "This is the best way for this to happen because it will allow me to continue coaching, which is something I truly love to doing."

Watkins is one of four players to sign with the Blitzz, which has a 5-2 record to date. The Utah Blitzz's home games are played at Cottonwood High School. "Hopefully I can score a few goals and help them be more successful," added Watkins. The USL season ends in the middle of August.

Watkins will begin his seventh season as an assistant coach for BYU's women's soccer team as well as his seventh year at the helm of the school's men's soccer club. He has guided the club team to four straight NCCSA collegiate club national championships. He also played for the semi-professional Salt Lake City Flamengo team for three years (1992-1995). While attending college at Drake University, he played on the school's team and made the All-Missouri Valley Team.

Chris and his wife Karen live in Elk Ridge with their sons Drake and Ethan.