North Carolina women's basketball guard Stephanie Watts attempts a layup against Georgia Tech at Carmichael Arena, Thursday, Jan. 31, 2019. Photo © Landon Bost 2019.
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Stephanie Watts Returns to UNC Women’s Basketball After Transferring

Landon Bost

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. – Stephanie Watts re-signed with North Carolina women’s basketball for her sixth year of eligibility after grad-transferring to the University of Southern California last year.

Watts left UNC May 15, 2019; two weeks after UNC hired Courtney Banghart in light of Sylvia Hatchell resigning because of racially insensitive comments.

She recorded a double-double – 14 points and 12 rebounds – along with five blocks in  USC’s second game against Virginia in November 2019. But she underwent knee surgery after the fourth game that sidelined her the rest of the season.

“Due to an injury this past season, I was given back a year of eligibility,” Watts said in a statement released by UNC Athletics.

“While the injury was disappointing, I like to believe that everything happens for a reason. When thinking about my last season of college basketball coming up, it just didn’t feel right spending it anywhere other than my alma mater. With that being said, I am overjoyed to announce I will be coming home to play my final season at UNC.”

North Carolina women's basketball guard Stephanie Watts attempts a layup against Georgia Tech at Carmichael Arena, Thursday, Jan. 31, 2019. Photo © Landon Bost 2019.
North Carolina women’s basketball guard Stephanie Watts attempts a layup against Georgia Tech at Carmichael Arena, Thursday, Jan. 31, 2019. Photo © Landon Bost 2019.

The native of Wesley Chapel, N.C., stepped onto campus as a highly touted McDonald’s All-American in 2015. She started 29-of-32 games as a first-year, averaged 14.7 points and 7.2 rebounds and was named the 2016 ACC Freshman of the Year.

She increased her scoring and rebounding percentages as a sophomore, but damaged knee cartilage cut her season short. The NCAA granted Watts a redshirt season in 2017-18 as she recovered from her injury.

Watts is a versatile scorer and a long-range threat North Carolina needed after Leah Church forewent her senior season. Watts is a 1,000-point scorer at UNC and is thrid on Carolina’s all-time 3-point list with 239 made 3-pointers. She set an ACC single-game record her sophomore year with ten 3-pointers and her career-high in the same game with 39 points.

At five feet, 11 inches, Watts adds the defending capabilities that Church lacked.

“A former ACC Rookie of the Year and a proven contributor as a Tar Heel,” said Carolina second-year coach Courtney Banghart.

“We are adding talent, experience, shot-making, and depth to our guard position. The fact that (Watts) wanted to come back to finish her playing career in Carolina Blue speaks volumes to her love for and trust in this place and program. We are eager to coach her, just as the Carolina community looks forward to welcoming her back home.”

(Feature image courtesy of Landon Bost)