News Summary

St. David’s School in Raleigh welcomes Levi Watkins as the new Head Varsity Boys Basketball Coach. With a rich coaching background and a history of success, Watkins aims to revive the basketball program. Under the direction of new athletic director Joey Menendez, the team looks to rebuild after several challenging seasons. The community is hopeful that Watkins’ experience will help restore competitiveness to the program as they prepare for the upcoming season.

Exciting Changes for St. David’s School Basketball in Raleigh!

Raleigh is buzzing with excitement as St. David’s School rolls out the red carpet for its new Head Varsity Boys Basketball Coach, Levi Watkins. This move marks the beginning of a fresh chapter for the school’s basketball program, which has seen some challenging seasons in recent years.

A Bright Coaching Future

Watkins isn’t just a newcomer to the coaching scene; he’s a seasoned veteran with impressive credentials. Before joining St. David’s, he served as the lead assistant coach at N.C. State University, where he was an integral part of the program’s thrilling journey to the NCAA Final Four in 2024. That run captured the imaginations of fans and solidified his reputation as a key player in collegiate basketball coaching.

Building a New Legacy

This coaching change comes soon after T.J. Graham was appointed the head football coach at St. David’s. Both of these impressive coaching hires are under the watchful eye of Joey Menendez, the new athletic director who brings a wealth of experience from his previous role with the Chicago Cubs. Menendez, a graduate of the University of North Carolina, has a strong background in education leadership, showcasing his commitment to both athletics and academics.

A Track Record of Success

Watkins has an exceptional history with N.C. State, having played for the Wolfpack from 2001 to 2005. He initially joined the coaching staff in 2005 and worked as an assistant coach until 2013. After taking a brief hiatus from N.C. State, he returned to coaching in April 2022, sharpening his skills at various notable programs, including the University of Buffalo, Arizona State, and Ole Miss. Throughout his coaching journey, he has been a part of 12 teams that have qualified for the NCAA Tournament—an impressive feat!

Restoring Glory to St. David’s Basketball

For the Warriors, the hope is that Watkins can instill a new level of competitiveness in a basketball program that has struggled in recent years, finishing below .500 for the last seven seasons. St. David’s had its heyday in the mid-2010s when the team saw over 20 victories for three consecutive seasons, and returning to that competitive edge is a top priority for both Watkins and the school.

St. David’s competes in the North Carolina Independent Schools Athletic Association’s 3A classification, making the challenge both exciting and intense. The community is hopeful that Watkins’ experience and coaching philosophy will play a pivotal role in turning the program around.

A Commitment to Excellence

In addition to his coaching acumen, Watkins has also collaborated with 18 current or former Division I head coaches, which speaks volumes about his expertise in fostering talent and in creating a culture of excellence. He’s determined to take that experience and use it to cultivate both on-court skills and off-court development for his student-athletes.

Watkins wasn’t just known for his coaching; he was also a standout player during his high school years at Montrose Christian School, where he led his team in scoring and rebounding. A Parade All-American and the 2001 Maryland Gatorade and USA Today State Player of the Year, he was part of an elite recruiting class at N.C. State that featured several top-ranked players.

The Road Ahead

Watkins holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Management from N.C. State and is eager to channel his education and basketball knowledge into building something exceptional at St. David’s. As the community gears up for the upcoming basketball season, excitement fills the air, and there’s a renewed sense of hope that Levi Watkins is the catalyst needed to restore the glory that once was.

With both the coaching staff and the athletic department aligning on this vision, the Warriors are primed for a comeback, and it will be exciting to follow their journey as they look to reclaim their competitive standing in North Carolina’s high school basketball landscape.

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