LaTonya Watson
	College: Eastern Michigan '92 Years at American: 2nd Year Position: Assistant Coach/Recruiting Coordinator

LaTonya Watson begins her second season as assistant coach and recruiting coordinator for the American University women's basketball program.

Watson spent nine years as an assistant at the University of Colorado from 1996-2005. While with the Buffaloes, Watson helped lead the team to a 152-92 overall record and five NCAA Tournament appearances, including a spot in the Elite Eight in 2002. She helped mentor 10 players who are currently playing professional basketball, including 2002 WNBA draftee, Mandy Nightingale. Off the court, Watson served as the academic liaison for Colorado. During her tenure, her team enjoyed a 92% graduation rate.

"We are very fortunate to add LaTonya to our coaching staff," commented AU Head Coach Matt Corkery at the time of Watson's hire in June 2008. "Her experience coaching NCAA Tournament teams and recruiting at the Top 25 level is invaluable. She will be a tremendous role model and teacher for our student-athletes."

Prior to arriving at AU, Watson spent two years as a math instructor and head girls basketball coach at Chamblee Charter (Ga.) High School. She led her squad to a 34-18 overall record. Watson's team was named the DeKalb County AAA Team of the Month in January 2008. Two of her student-athletes obtained college basketball scholarships. Watson also spent a year coaching and teaching at Meadowcreek High School (Ga.) and served as the co-head coach of the Boulder Rockies Girls' Basketball Club in 2005.

Watson is a 1992 graduate of Eastern Michigan University, where she majored in mathematics and minored in English and literature. From 1988-92, she played point guard for then-head coach Cheryl Getz. Watson was named to the 1989 Mid American Conference All-Freshman Team, the 1991 All-MAC Honorable Mention Team, and 1992 All-MAC Second Team. She was also a three-time Academic All-Mid America Conference selection. Watson ranks third in assists (446) and is the tenth all-time leading scorer (1,296) in school history. She scored 36 points in a game, which ranks as the second highest single-game output in EMU history.

She began her coaching career in 1992 as a graduate assistant at Eastern Michigan. After the 1992-93 season, Watson coached the girls' volleyball, basketball and track teams at Dunbar Middle School in Fort Worth, Texas. In 1995, she took on the same responsibilities at Dunbar High School.