Valparaiso University head coach Keith Freeman has announced that Kelly Watts will be transferring from Eastern Michigan University to join the Crusader program beginning in the fall of 2008 after playing for the Eagles the past two seasons.

            Watts, a 6’0” forward, must sit out the 2008-2009 season under NCAA transfer guidelines, and will have two seasons of eligibility remaining beginning with the 2009-10 campaign.

            “We are excited to have Kelly join our program,” said Freeman.  “She gives us an experienced versatile program.”

            A native of Gary, Ind., Watts averaged 7.0 points and 6.2 rebounds per game for Eastern Michigan in 2007-2008, starting 22 of the 29 games, averaging 24 minutes per contest.  She tallied double figures eight times, including a season-high 16 points against both Weber State and Ball State.  She also grabbed a career-best 14 rebounds against both Western Michigan and Miami (Ohio).

            As a freshman, Watts appeared in all 29 games, averaging 13.4 minutes per contest.  She averaged 4.6 points and 3.1 boards per contest her rookie season, scoring a career-high 17 points against 20^th-ranked Bowling Green.

            Watts played high school basketball at East Chicago Central where she helped lead the Cardinals to the Class 4A sectional championship as a senior.  She averaged 17 points and 10 rebounds per game in 2004-2005 as the team posted a 21-4 record.  She was selected as one of the top-25 seniors in Indiana by the 2005-2006 Region Roundball Review and garnered Second Team All-Area honors in 2004-2005.