RICHLANDS – Scoring the goal appeared inevitable for Kamrey Watkins.
The Richlands girls’ soccer standout had just controlled a well-played header from teammate Paris McAllister, and dribbled nearly 25 yards before she scored with 12.5 seconds to lift the Wildcats to a 2-1 win over Swansboro on Tuesday.
While Watkins has over 100 high school goals, she doesn’t tend to forget late game-winners such as this one against the Pirates.
“They really never get old, scoring those. I love scoring those because they are special moments,” Watkins said. “It’s also a big relief. I’m not so stressed out after those goals.”
On the flip side, it has been Watkins who has stressed out her opponents during her four varsity seasons with her scoring abilities. On March 7, she recorded her 100th goal with a five-goal effort in a 6-2 win over East Duplin.
Watkins has 103 goals overall entering Friday’s fixture against Jordan.
“The 100 goals mean a lot, but it shows a lot about my team, too. They give me a lot of great assists,” Watkins said. “I would not be here if it wasn’t for them, to be honest. They bring so much happiness to the team. I would not be able to do what I do without them.”
Watkins added that her senior season has meant more, not only because it’s her last chance to showcase her talents on the local scene, it’s also because it’s the final spring she has to play “with all of my best friends,” noting that this season is “sentimental.”
At the same time, however, Watkins also looks forward to playing in college.
She committed to the University of North Carolina-Wilmington after her sophomore season, and she signed with the Seahawks in November.
But while Watkins is excited to join UNCW after she graduates, she still wants to prove herself on the pitch.
“I feel like it added more pressure after I signed because I have to focus and work harder to prove to myself and to the coaches that I am capable of playing for them,” she said. “I want to show the coaches at UNCW that I am still working hard every day.”
Richlands coach Mike Roed sees that work.
“Kamrey just loves the sport and she is a competitor,” he said. “She competes, not only against everybody, but also with herself. She wants to get better.”
And Watkins continued to put in the work.
In addition to scoring five times against East Duplin, she has scored twice in three other matches for the Wildcats (3-2, 2-0), who look to contend for a Coastal 5-A/6-A Conference title.
Last season, Watkins tallied 36 goals and 11 to earn area and Coastal Conference player of the year honors and be named all-state.
“I always feel like there are two or three people on me, which makes it a little harder,” Watkins said. “But I also know that it can help my teammates score.”
Roed doesn’t look for Watkins to slow down any time soon.
“Teams are double-teaming her and man-marking her the entire time,” he said. “But she has a passion for the game, and she goes 100% no matter what. That is what superstars do.”
