DENVER, Colo. – Amy Watanabe has joined the Regis University Women's Volleyball team as its new Assistant Coach, Head Coach Joel List announced Monday.
"We are thrilled to welcome Amy to our team," said List. "Her extensive experience and deep knowledge of Division II and the RMAC, combined with her strong character as reflected in her references, make her a perfect fit for our program. Amy's passion for empowering young women, advancing the sport, and creating opportunities for youth aligns perfectly with our mission. We look forward to the positive impact she will bring."
Watanabe comes to Regis after 12 years on the staff at Metropolitan State University of Denver. She also spent one season as an assistant coach at Montana State-Billings in 2013.
"I am excited for this next chapter with Regis Volleyball," said Watanabe. "The RMAC is a special place with great volleyball programs and coaches. I am looking forward to collaborating and learning from Coach List and his staff. It's a special opportunity to be part of a program that values both athletic and personal growth, and I'm really looking forward to supporting our student-athletes on and off the court. I want to thank MSU Denver for the past 17 years and am beyond grateful for the players, coaches, and mentors who helped shape me. I am proud of everything we accomplished together. As an alumnus, MSU Denver will always have a special place in my heart, and I can't wait to embark on this this new adventure at Regis."
While at MSUD, Watanabe helped coach nine All-Americans, three Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference Players of the Year, an RMAC Setter of the Year, and 20 All-RMAC first team selections.
The Roadrunners collected five RMAC Regular Season titles, three RMAC Tournament Championships, and 11 NCAA Tournament appearances, including six regional final appearances.
As a player at MSU Denver, Watanabe played four years and recorded 1,640 digs, a school record that she still holds. She also graduated as the school's service aces leader with 141. As a senior, Watanabe was named Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference Defensive Player of the Year after leading the conference in digs per set, and was an All-RMAC second team selection. She also won the Mehn Award and was named Female Athlete of the Year for MSU Denver.
She served as a student assistant coach for MSU Denver in 2010, coached local club volleyball from 2007-11, and coached one season at Denver East High School.
A local growing up in Littleton, Colo., Watanabe earned her bachelor's degree in human performance & sport (K-12 physical education emphasis) from MSU Denver in 2010. In December 2016, she completed her master's degree in eLearning design and implementation through the University of Colorado Denver. Amy is currently working on a master's degree in social work and MSU Denver. She enjoys musicals and has also visited 9 of the 14 U.S. presidential libraries.
