MEET SYDNEY WATKINS

Director, GYM RATZ Basketball Club

Sydney Watkins, a high-percentage three-point shooter in both Bergen County and MAAC, brings tremendous experience and passion to her role of Director, Gym Ratz AAU Girls Basketball Program. Sydney is committed to developing young athletes both on and off the court. Her mission is to foster a competitive, empowering environment where girls not only excel in basketball but also grow as leaders, teammates, and individuals.

Sydney’s basketball journey began at a young age and grew as she gathered accolades such as becoming a 1,000-point scorer and leading her D1 conference in three-point percentage. After transitioning to coaching, she quickly became known for her ability to build strong relationships with athletes and inspire them to reach their full potential. With a focus on skill development, basketball IQ, and mental toughness, Sydney ensures that every player in the Gym Ratz program has the tools they need to succeed in accordance with their own aspirations.

Under her leadership, she hopes  to take the Gym Ratz AAU Girls Basketball Program and transform it into one of the top-tier programs in the region, consistently producing talented athletes who go on to play at the next level, as she did at Manhattan College. Sydney’s coaching philosophy emphasizes discipline, hard work, and self-confidence while promoting a positive team culture that celebrates success and embraces challenges. See revision below.

Under her leadership, Sydney’s goal is  to take the Gym Ratz AAU Girls Basketball Program and transform it into one of the top-tier training and development programs in the region. She is eager to bring a culture of growth, support and camaraderie making Gym Ratz a place that can project a girl’s future through development and growth through sports. She also sees Gym Ratz to be the program to consistently produce talented athletes who go on to play at the next level, as she did at Manhattan College. Sydney’s coaching philosophy emphasizes discipline, hard work, and self-confidence while promoting a positive team culture that celebrates success and embraces challenges. 

As Director, Sydney is dedicated to providing the next generation of female athletes with a platform to showcase their talents and pursue their dreams in basketball. Through her vision and leadership, Gym Ratz remains committed to creating an inclusive and supportive environment where athletes thrive and develop both athletically and personally. Sydney Watkins is more than just a coach; she’s a chemical engineer, earned her MBA and is a mentor, role model, and dedicated advocate for empowering young women in sports.