USC women’s basketball star JuJu Watkins has recently made headlines not only for her incredible performances on the court but also for securing a historic multiyear deal with Fanatics. This partnership marks her as the first female college athlete to establish such a significant agreement in sports memorabilia, showcasing her as a rising figure in women’s basketball.
A Trailblazer in Memorabilia
Watkins’s deal with Fanatics includes signed memorabilia and trading cards that highlight her talent. It’s exciting to think that fans will soon see her cards in the 2025 Bowman University Chrome Basketball series, which is set to launch on April 3, 2025. This collaboration is a huge step in promoting women in sports and inspiring young athletes everywhere.
- Watkins is the first women’s college athlete to sign such a comprehensive deal.
- The agreement extends into her potential WNBA career.
- Fanatics will produce personal memorabilia featuring her USC uniform.
Setting New Records
But that’s not all—Watkins has also recently surpassed the impressive NCAA scoring record set by WNBA star Caitlin Clark for points accumulated in a player’s first two seasons. This achievement is a testament to her hard work and determination, as she reached this milestone during a thrilling game against UCLA in the Big Ten Championship.
At just a sophomore, Watkins is second all-time in this scoring metric, trailing only the celebrated Kelsey Mitchell. ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith even predicted that she would soon shine as one of the next superstars in women’s basketball, highlighting the excitement around her growing career.
A Gracious Role Model
Despite her individual successes, Watkins emphasizes the importance of her team, prioritizing their performance in the upcoming March Madness tournament. Even with all the recognition, she has not yet reached out to Caitlin Clark, who generously offered her advice when it comes to handling fame and the pressures of being a top athlete. She recognizes how much it means to have advice from someone successful like Clark, but she’s focused on her own journey right now.
- Watkins is preparing for her second March Madness tournament this year.
- She is balancing her academic responsibilities and business opportunities alongside her athletic career.
- Watkins enjoys typical college experiences, like attending concerts, and catching up on shows like Severance and The White Lotus.
Community and Connection
As she navigates her growing fame, Watkins also acknowledges her team and coach Lindsay Gottlieb as critical to her success. She values the support and camaraderie found within her program at USC. Although she’s busy, she makes sure to take time for herself to work on personal interests and enjoy being a typical college student.
Her partnership with brands like Degree deodorant further illustrates her commitment not just to sports but also to values that resonate with her as a person. This kind of engagement is vital in making her relatable to young fans who admire her for her talent and integrity.
Looking Ahead
With her recent accomplishments and partnerships, JuJu Watkins is poised to inspire the next generation of athletes. As she gears up for March Madness, fans are eager to see what this amazing young athlete will achieve next in her career. She is not only setting new records on the court but also breaking barriers for female athletes everywhere, making her a true icon in the world of sports.