USC women’s basketball star JuJu Watkins is making headlines not just for her impressive performances on the court but also for signing a groundbreaking multi-year deal with Fanatics. This remarkable agreement marks a significant milestone as Watkins becomes the first women’s college athlete to enter into such a partnership, paving the way for future female athletes in sports.
Milestone Agreement with Fanatics
Watkins’ recent deal with Fanatics includes trading cards and memorabilia, showing a strong commitment to celebrating her achievements both now and in her future professional career. This exclusive agreement brings a lot of excitement to fans as it promises signed memorabilia, including autographed trading cards that will highlight her impressive journey in basketball.
- Watkins is the first female college athlete to sign with Fanatics.
- The deal includes signed memorabilia and trading cards.
- Autographed cards featuring Watkins are set to debut in 2025.
- Fanatics will expand its reach within women’s sports despite competition from Panini, which currently holds WNBA trading card licenses.
- Other athletes, such as Cooper Flagg from Duke, are also making similar deals with Fanatics.
Inspiring Words from Caitlin Clark
As JuJu Watkins prepares for her second March Madness tournament, she’s also received encouraging words from WNBA star Caitlin Clark. Although Watkins hasn’t reached out to Clark yet, she feels truly honored that Clark, who has made a name for herself in women’s basketball, has offered her guidance on managing fame and the associated pressures.
Watkins expresses her deep admiration for Clark, saying, “It means a lot to have someone like her offer advice.” This mentorship emphasizes the spirit of camaraderie in women’s sports, where even competitors can uplift one another.
Balancing Life as a Student-Athlete
Being a college athlete comes with its own set of challenges, and Watkins juggles her basketball commitments alongside academics and brand partnerships. She values her relationship with her coach, Lindsay Gottlieb, who plays a vital role in her success at USC. Watkins often prioritizes teamwork over personal accolades, believing that success is a collective achievement rather than an individual one.
- Watkins also expresses her excitement about balancing basketball with her studies.
- She was recently named a brand ambassador for Degree deodorant.
- Despite her busy schedule, Watkins enjoys relaxing and binge-watching shows.
Shattering Records
In addition to her new partnership, JuJu Watkins surpassed Caitlin Clark’s NCAA scoring record for points scored during a player’s first two seasons, achieving this stunning milestone during USC’s recent matchup against UCLA in the Big Ten Championship. While many would celebrate this achievement loudly, Watkins remains focused on her team’s success in the upcoming tournament.
Her success showcases her hard work, dedication, and resilience as she navigates the demands of college basketball, and inspires a generation of young female athletes who dream of following in her footsteps.
What’s Next for JuJu Watkins?
As JuJu Watkins continues to build her legacy both on and off the court, fans are eagerly anticipating not just her performances in March Madness but also the exciting memorabilia set to be released in 2025. With every move, JuJu remains a beacon of hope and inspiration for aspiring athletes, proving that hard work and determination can open doors that were once closed.
As she gets ready to compete, there’s no doubt that everyone, from her teammates to her fans, will be cheering her on every step of the way. The future looks bright for JuJu Watkins, not just in college basketball but also as a powerful ambassador for women in sports.
