Anthony Watson '22 Recruiting Profile

Growing up with a single mom and two sisters has impacted me in many ways. Watching my mom do whatever it takes and sacrifice so many things for us has showed me how hard work can really help you.  I want to succeed for her. I started playing basketball when I was around 5 years old because my grandfather signed me up for the YMCA program. From that early age on, basketball has always been an important part of my life. I started taking the game very seriously around middle school. My middle school coach, Coach Merryman, grabbed me after practice one day and told me about how he saw so much potential in me. He told me if I worked hard enough, I could be a very good player. I always looked up to him like a father, and hearing him say that sparked a deeper desire to become the best player I possibly can be. Playing basketball has taught me that as a person, I am willing to do whatever it takes to succeed. I love being a part of a team and having a second family.

I want to keep my 4.0 GPA throughout high school. I want to continue to take classes that challenge me mentally and keep pushing myself. I have not decided on what I want to study in college. When I get to college, I want to attain the highest degree in my field of study. I have had to overcome many challenges in my life, starting with the first 24 hours of life. I was born 6 weeks premature and required a feeding tube and an IV line. During the night, the nurse swapped lines and connected my feeding tube to my IV line, causing me to become very ill. It took two weeks for me to fully recover and be able to go home. I think it is safe to say I have always been a fighter.