Kealia Watt is a well-known American soccer player who has made a name for herself in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL). She played for the Houston Dash from 2014 to 2019 and most recently for the Chicago Red Stars from 2020 to 2021. As of now, Kealia is a free agent, and her next move in the soccer world remains to be seen. Kealia’s skill, determination, and impressive track record have earned her a loyal fan base, and she continues to inspire young players around the world. She is currently married to her husband, J. J. Watt.
In addition to her success at the club level, Kealia has also represented the United States on the under-17, under-20, under-23, and senior national teams. Her impressive skills were on full display when she scored the winning goal in the final match of the 2012 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup. Kealia’s contributions to the sport of soccer have not gone unnoticed, and she is widely regarded as one of the most talented players of her generation. Her passion for the game and her commitment to excellence serve as an inspiration to aspiring athletes around the world.
Who are the Parents of Kealia Watt?
Kealia Watt was born and raised in Draper, Utah, USA, on January 31st, 1992, to her parents Ben and Cindy Ohai. Her father’s side of the family hails from Hawaii, making Kealia part Hawaiian, and she was named after Kealia Beach on the island of Kauai. Kealia has a sister named Megan, who played soccer at USC and won the 2007 NCAA championship. Kealia’s full name is Kealia Ohai Watt, with her birth name being Kealia Mae Ohai. As of 2023, she celebrated her 31st birthday. Kealia holds American nationality and has a mixed ethnic background, primarily of American descent with some Hawaiian ancestry on her father’s side.
Upon graduating from Alta High School, which is a secondary school located in Sandy, Utah, Kealia went on to enroll at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. This public research university, situated in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, was where she played as a starter for four years with the North Carolina Tar Heels women’s soccer team, spanning from 2010 to 2013.
Kealia Watt Soccer Career
College Career
- During her college career, Kealia Watt played for the University of North Carolina Tar Heels from 2010 to 2013. As a four-year starter, she was an integral part of the team that won the championship in 2012. Watt’s standout performances during the tournament, including scoring the game-winning goal in the semi-final and the first goal of the final, earned her the title of the tournament’s most outstanding offensive player. Her contributions to the team’s success were undeniable, and she cemented herself as a key player for the Tar Heels.
- Watt’s impressive performances didn’t go unnoticed, as she was named to the First-Team All-Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) and the ACC All-Freshman Team following her first year. She led the team in scoring with 14 goals and started in 22 of the team’s 24 games. During her sophomore year, she started in all 20 games in which she played and scored six goals, including three game-winning goals, and assisted on six more. In her junior year, Watt led the team in points (23) and goals (9).
Houston Dash
- Kealia Watt’s success on the field continued in her professional career when she was drafted as the second overall pick by the Houston Dash in the 2014 NWSL College Draft. The team’s head coach, Randy Waldrum, was thrilled with the selection and praised her speed, athleticism, and ability to stretch defenses. In the 2016 season, Watt was named the team’s captain and went on an impressive scoring streak, netting 11 goals in just 10 games. She was named NWSL Player of the Week for two separate weeks and finished the season tied with Lynn Williams for the golden boot, although Williams won due to having more assists. Watt was named to the 2016 NWSL Best XI, solidifying her as one of the top players in the league.
- Unfortunately, Watt suffered a setback in 2017 when she tore her ACL during a game against the Orlando Pride. This injury forced her to miss the remainder of the 2017 season. She returned to the field in 2018, where she appeared in 19 games and scored 5 goals. Despite the injury, Watt remained a valuable player for the Dash and has continued to make an impact in her professional career.
Chicago Red Stars
- Kealia Watt’s time with the Houston Dash came to an end on January 6, 2020, when she was traded to the Chicago Red Stars in exchange for defender Katie Naughton and the 18th overall pick in the 2020 NWSL College Draft. Watt’s trade was seen as a significant move for the Red Stars, who were bolstering their attack ahead of the 2020 season. In her first season with the Red Stars, Watt scored four goals and provided three assists in 15 appearances, helping the team reach the NWSL Championship final.
- Watt’s second season with the Red Stars saw her continue to make an impact on the field. She played a key role in helping the team qualify for the playoffs, scoring seven goals and providing four assists in 22 appearances. Despite falling short in the playoffs, Watt’s performances earned her a spot in the 2021 NWSL Best XI. As one of the most talented players in the league, Watt is expected to continue making a significant impact in the sport for years to come. Currently, she is a free agent.
International Career
- Kealia Watt’s career as a soccer player is not limited to club teams, as she has also made a significant impact on the international level. She has been a member of the United States national team since 2016 and has represented the country in several matches. Her debut match with the team was against Switzerland in October 2016, where she scored a goal within just 48 seconds of coming on as a substitute. This made her the fastest scorer in a debut game in the history of the US women’s national team. Watt continued to play for the national team in the following years, and in July 2018, she was called up to the training camp for the 2018 Tournament of Nations. Although she did not make the final roster for the tournament, it was a significant achievement for her to be called up to the camp after her injury in 2017.
- Watt’s international experience extends beyond the senior national team, as she has also played for the U-15, U-17, U-18, U-20, and U-23 teams. As a member of the U-20 team in 2012, Watt won the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup and scored the game-winning goal in the final against Germany. Her experience with the youth teams helped her develop her skills and gain valuable experience, which she has brought to her club and senior national team games.
Kealia Watt Awards, Honors, and Achievements
North Carolina Tar Heels women’s soccer team
- NCAA Division I Women’s Soccer Championship: 2012
Chicago Red Stars
- NWSL Challenge Cup runner-up: 2020
- NWSL Championship runner-up: 2021
United States U20
- CONCACAF Women’s U-20 Championship: 2012
- FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup: 2012
How much is Kealia Watt’s net worth?
Kealia Watt has established herself as a talented and accomplished soccer player. Despite currently being a free agent, she has made a significant impact in the sport, both on and off the field. As of 2023, her net worth is estimated to be around $1 million. Her primary source of income comes from her successful soccer career, while she also earns from endorsement deals with top brands such as Puma and Blink Fitness. Her endorsements have contributed to her growing wealth and popularity, showcasing her appeal to a wider audience.
With her impressive earnings, Kealia Watt leads a luxurious lifestyle. She enjoys traveling in private jets, as evident from her social media posts. During her time with the Chicago Red Stars, she signed a contract worth $650,000, with an average annual salary of $52,500. Her success in soccer and lucrative endorsements have allowed her to live a life of comfort and financial stability. Despite her success and wealth, Kealia remains humble and grounded, always striving to improve her game and inspire others.
Who is Kealia Watt married to?
Kealia Watt is happily married to J. J. Watt, a well-known American football player. The couple first confirmed their relationship in October 2016, and their love story has been a topic of interest for many fans since then. After dating for a few years, they got engaged in May 2019, and their wedding took place on February 15, 2020, in a beautiful ceremony in the Bahamas. Their wedding was attended by close friends and family, including some of J. J.’s football colleagues.
In June 2022, Kealia and J. J. announced that they were expecting their first child together, bringing more happiness and excitement to their already beautiful life. On October 23, 2022, the couple welcomed a son named Koa James Watt. Kealia and J. J. are now proud parents, and their fans are eagerly waiting to see more glimpses of their little one. Their love story is a testament to the fact that true love knows no bounds and can withstand anything that life throws at it.
How tall is Kealia Watt?
Kealia Watt is a stunningly beautiful athlete known for her impressive soccer skills. Her athletic build and toned physique make her stand out on the field. At a height of 5 feet 5 inches or 165 centimeters, she weighs around 63 kilograms or 139 pounds, which is ideal for her sport. Her blonde hair, green eyes, and charming smile add to her overall appeal. Her shoulder-length straight hair, center-parted to frame her face, gleams when she’s playing. However, what sets Kealia apart from other soccer players is her distinctive feature – she is legally blind in her right eye.
Despite her blindness in one eye, Kealia’s exceptional talent and dedication to her sport have made her a successful soccer player. She has proven that her vision impairment has not hindered her ability to excel in her profession. Her success on the field, combined with her natural beauty, has made Kealia a role model for young girls aspiring to pursue a career in sports. Kealia is an inspiration to many and is admired not only for her soccer skills but also for her grace and beauty.
At the young age of six, Kealia was diagnosed with severe astigmatism in her right eye, resulting in her being visually impaired in that eye. During her early school years, she would wear a patch over her left eye with the hope that her right eye would eventually recover. Unfortunately, her vision did not improve as she had hoped.
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