Chris Watts, formerly of St. Joseph High in the FCIAC, has been named the new head boys basketball coach at Notre Dame of Fairfield, which competes in the South-West Conference.
Watts, a St. Joseph graduate, has been the Cadets’ head coach the past four years.
Notre Dame Athletic Director Rob Bleggi said, “I am very excited to welcome Coach Watts to Notre Dame. His knowledge and understanding of the game of basketball is undeniable. The experience and professionalism he brings with him will only help continue the winning tradition of boys basketball at Notre Dame.
Father Bill Sangiovanni, President of Notre Dame, said, "I am very pleased that Coach Watts will be joining the Notre Dame family as our new head boys basketball coach. I am confident that with his experience and knowledge he will provide the proper leadership as we move forward.”
Chris Cipriano, Notre Dame principal added, "I am thrilled to welcome Chris to the Notre Dame community. With his experience, knowledge, demeanor and presence on the court, he is going to make an excellent addition to our staff. I look forward to seeing Chris work with our student-athletes and continue the success of our boys basketball program.
Watts said: “I would like to thank Father Bill, Mr. Cipriano, and Mr. Bleggi for the opportunity to be the next head boys basketball coach at Notre Dame of Fairfield. I am very excited to help these student athletes realize their full potential on and off the court
"I was fortunate enough to learn a great deal as an head coach at St. Joe’s over the last four years. I look forward using my experience to continue the success of the boys basketball program. This is a great move and an unbelievable opportunity to continue to impact young kids lives.
"I am very committed and so excited to join the ND family. The hiring process was fair and incredibly challenging, but I am very blessed that ND chose me. Notre Dame basketball will continue to ascend as one of Connecticut’s top boys basketball programs in the state.”
Watts takes over for Vin Laczkoski.