During the recent 2024 Div I Women's Basketball Championship Elite Eight game between the UConn Huskies and USC Trojans, JuJu Watkins of USC made headlines by becoming the all-time leading freshman scorer with an impressive 29 points. This achievement capped off a remarkable season for Watkins, who set a USC record for single-game scoring with 51 points against Stanford and was honored as the Pac-12 Freshman of the Year.
Watkins made history by breaking a 40-year-old record previously held by San Diego State's Tina Hutchinson. She surpassed Hutchinson's record with a three-point shot during the Elite Eight game, finishing her freshman year with a total of 920 points. In the tournament alone, Watkins scored 110 points, just one point shy of tying Tamika Catchings' 111 tournament points for Tennessee in 1998.
Off the court, Watkins' talents have not gone unnoticed, as she has garnered a valuation of $555,000 by On3 and secured endorsement deals with prominent companies such as AT&T, Nike, Mielle, and more. Recently, Watkins signed a deal with NerdWallet, a financial literacy company, to help her manage her newfound wealth and set an example for fellow student-athletes.
As part of her partnership with NerdWallet, Watkins has committed to creating a budget following the 50/30/20 rule, allocating portions of her earnings to savings, investments, and charitable foundations. Watkins, represented by Klutch Sports Group, aims to use her influence and income to make a positive impact on her community in Watts, Los Angeles.
With the recent changes allowing college athletes to benefit from their Name, Image, & Likeness (NIL), Watkins' story serves as a beacon of financial responsibility and empowerment. She emphasizes the importance of financial literacy and setting a foundation for long-term financial success, not just for herself but for others in similar positions.
As college athletes navigate the complexities of managing their NIL income, experts stress the importance of seeking reliable assistance, especially when it comes to understanding and fulfilling tax obligations. Institutions like Oregon State University have stepped up to provide athletes with free tax assistance programs to ensure they are equipped to handle their financial affairs responsibly.
Looking ahead, Watkins' commitment to financial literacy and responsible money management sets a powerful example for aspiring athletes, particularly women in sports, who are increasingly gaining prominence and earning potential in the world of collegiate athletics. Her dedication to securing a stable financial future underscores the importance of financial education and planning for athletes transitioning into professional careers.
