
JuJu Watkins Parents: Meet the Family Behind the USC Basketball Phenom
JuJu Watkins Parents: Meet the Family Behind the USC Basketball Phenom
By Edcel Panganiban June 30, 2025 10:23
Judea "JuJu" Watkins, the electrifying guard for the USC Trojans, has rapidly ascended to the pinnacle of women’s college basketball, shattering records and earning national acclaim. Behind her rise stands a supportive family foundation that has played a crucial role in shaping the 6-foot-2 phenom into the player and person she is today.
Born on July 15, 2005, in Los Angeles, JuJu is the daughter of Robert and Sari Watkins. Growing up in a close-knit family with three siblings Mali, Dami, and Mar she was immersed in a nurturing environment that fostered both her athletic and personal growth. While JuJu’s on-court exploits have captured headlines, her parents’ unwavering support and guidance have been instrumental in her journey from a young basketball enthusiast to a national sensation.
Robert and Sari Watkins prioritized balance and discipline, encouraging JuJu to pursue her passion while maintaining academic excellence. JuJu began playing basketball at age seven in a local park league, quickly demonstrating a natural talent that caught the attention of coaches and scouts. Her mother, Sari, often emphasized the importance of humility and hard work, values that JuJu credits for her relentless drive.
JuJu’s family environment also exposed her to elite basketball training early on. Notably, she trained with Phil Handy, a renowned assistant coach for the Los Angeles Lakers, which helped refine her skills and basketball IQ. This early mentorship, coupled with her parents’ support, laid the groundwork for her standout high school career at Windward School and later Sierra Canyon School, where she was ranked the No. 1 recruit nationally by ESPN.
Her father Robert has been described by those close to the family as a steady presence, offering both emotional and logistical support through JuJu’s demanding schedule. Whether it was attending games, managing travel, or navigating recruitment pressures, the Watkins family operated as a cohesive unit focused on JuJu’s development and well-being.
JuJu’s achievements are staggering: she set the NCAA Division I women’s basketball freshman scoring record with 920 points, led USC to its deepest NCAA tournament run in 30 years by reaching the Elite Eight, and earned numerous accolades including the Ann Meyers Drysdale Shooting Guard of the Year Award and The Athletic’s National Player of the Year as a sophomore. Off the court, she signed one of the richest shoe endorsement deals in women’s basketball history with Nike, a testament to her marketability and growing influence in the sport.
Despite her meteoric rise, JuJu remains grounded, often attributing her success to the values instilled by her parents. In interviews, she has expressed gratitude for their sacrifices and guidance. “My parents have always been my biggest supporters,” JuJu said in a recent feature. “They keep me focused and remind me to stay humble no matter how high I climb.”
The Watkins family’s commitment extends beyond basketball. They emphasize education, community involvement, and personal integrity, ensuring JuJu’s growth as a well-rounded individual. This holistic approach is reflected in JuJu’s leadership on and off the court, inspiring teammates and fans alike.
In an era where young athletes face immense pressure, the story of JuJu Watkins and her family stands out as a blueprint for success grounded in love, discipline, and resilience. As she continues to redefine women’s basketball at USC and beyond, the foundation laid by Robert and Sari Watkins remains a vital part of her journey a reminder that behind every phenom is a family that believes in her dreams.