South Tahoe's Kaitlynn Watson signs letter of intent with Loyola

South Tahoe High senior Kaitlynn Watson signed a letter of intent Friday to play volleyball of Loyola of New Orleans.

Watson takes with her a long list of accolades including All Team Academics, 1st Team All League and is currently ranked #2 in the state with digs at 360.

"The moment I stepped on the campus, I knew that is where I wanted to be," Kaitlynn said of Loyola. "They made me feel so at home, they're like a family and not a team." Watson will major in Biology with an emphasis in nutrition.

She was also recruited by Bryn Mawr and Southeast Louisiana said proud dad, South Lake Tahoe City Attorney Tom Watson. "We wanted a good balance between education and volleyball," he said of Kaitlynn's deciding which school to attend.

At 5'4" Kaitlynn isn't a tall volleyball player, something she had to overcome by becoming a top athlete. "I have worked so hard and am in the gym all the time," she said. "Two weeks is the longest break I've had and everything I do caters to volleyball."

Playing since fifth grade, Kaitlynn has played all over the country and went to Europe to play last summer.

"She has the most digs I've ever seen," said STHS Volleyball coach Dan McLaughlin. "Kaitlynn is a tremendous volleyball player."

McLaughlin has coached four other players from South Tahoe High's volleyball team over the years that have gone on to play at the collegiate level. He has built the program in the six years he's coached, now attracting over 40 players a year as they make it to Zone and State championships fairly consistently.

Kaitlynn said, since both of her parents have doctorates it will be something to aim for, but for now she'll concentrate on volleyball and getting a masters. Mom is Dr. Jennifer Watson, who is a professor in the UC system, and dad, as mentioned, is the City Attorney.

Kaitlynn and Tom will head out to New Orleans in August, but they won't be taking an airplane. Father and daughter will experience the long road trip together before school starts.