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University of New Hampshire Athletics
Charles Watkins with his Wide Receivers at 2023 UNH Football Media Day
Photo by: Earl Frost
Watkins Invited to NCAA & NFL Coaches Academy (Feb. 20-22, Charlotte, N.C.)
2/17/2024 8:27:00 AM | Football
Academy to focus on effective communication and leadership strategies aimed at helping student-athletes on and off the field
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – University of New Hampshire wide receivers coach Charles Watkins has been invited to participate in the NCAA and NFL Coaches Academy, which runs from Feb. 20-22 in Charlotte, N.C.
Watkins, who completed his first season on head coach Rick Santos' staff in 2023, was one of 25 NCAA coaches selected to participate in the academy that builds connections and develops leadership skills. The NCAA and NFL Coaches Academy allows coaches to network with industry experts on a variety of topics that will focus on effective communication and leadership strategies aimed at helping student-athletes on and off the field. Topics will include effective communication with campus and community constituents, the importance of building a culture, budget management and coaching philosophies.
"This opportunity provides me a chance to grow by learning from some of the best minds in the country about football and leadership," Watkins said. "It is an honor to be selected to represent the University of New Hampshire and Coach Santos."
Watkins mentored the WRs and helped graduate student Logan Tomlinson (Manchester, Conn.) lead the team and earn All-CAA Third Team recognition in his first season as a Wildcat with 42 receptions for 618 yards and seven TD catches, which tied for the team lead.
Watkins is a former NCAA Division I wide receiver who played at Wagner (N.Y.) College and Duke University. He was a member of the Dean's List and a two-time member of the All-ACC Academic Honor Roll. He earned his Duke bachelor's degree in 2013 after majoring in Sociology with minors in Education, Marketing and Management.
In 2022, Watkins became University of St. Thomas' first-ever RB coach. He helped guide the university to become the first program in FCS history to win a conference championship in their first two seasons of football. St. Thomas combined for the longest active home winning streak (26 games) at any NCAA level.
About UNH Football
The UNH football team finished the season with a winning record (6-5) and capped the campaign by knocking off rival Maine in the Border Battle, presented by Buffalo Wild Wings, to retain possession of the cherished Brice-Cowell Musket.
Watkins, who completed his first season on head coach Rick Santos' staff in 2023, was one of 25 NCAA coaches selected to participate in the academy that builds connections and develops leadership skills. The NCAA and NFL Coaches Academy allows coaches to network with industry experts on a variety of topics that will focus on effective communication and leadership strategies aimed at helping student-athletes on and off the field. Topics will include effective communication with campus and community constituents, the importance of building a culture, budget management and coaching philosophies.
"This opportunity provides me a chance to grow by learning from some of the best minds in the country about football and leadership," Watkins said. "It is an honor to be selected to represent the University of New Hampshire and Coach Santos."
Watkins mentored the WRs and helped graduate student Logan Tomlinson (Manchester, Conn.) lead the team and earn All-CAA Third Team recognition in his first season as a Wildcat with 42 receptions for 618 yards and seven TD catches, which tied for the team lead.
Watkins is a former NCAA Division I wide receiver who played at Wagner (N.Y.) College and Duke University. He was a member of the Dean's List and a two-time member of the All-ACC Academic Honor Roll. He earned his Duke bachelor's degree in 2013 after majoring in Sociology with minors in Education, Marketing and Management.
In 2022, Watkins became University of St. Thomas' first-ever RB coach. He helped guide the university to become the first program in FCS history to win a conference championship in their first two seasons of football. St. Thomas combined for the longest active home winning streak (26 games) at any NCAA level.
About UNH Football
The UNH football team finished the season with a winning record (6-5) and capped the campaign by knocking off rival Maine in the Border Battle, presented by Buffalo Wild Wings, to retain possession of the cherished Brice-Cowell Musket.
Players Mentioned
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