Juju Watkins has captured attention worldwide for her basketball prowess, but her most meaningful victories happen away from the court. The USC star has elevated the Trojans’ program to heights not seen since the 1990s, yet when discussing what makes her proudest, she rarely mentions statistics or NIL deals. Instead, Watkins consistently highlights her commitment to serving others.
Even during the demanding Big Ten schedule, Watkins carved out time in January to support student-athletes displaced by the Los Angeles fire. She arrived with donated backpacks and hygiene kits, bringing hope to those who lost everything.
A few months later, Watkins faced her own challenge when she went down clutching her right knee during USC’s second-round matchup in the NCAA tournament, sending the Galen Center into stunned silence. However, even while managing injury and rehabilitation, Watkins continues finding ways to lift up others. This time, her inspiration came from a courageous young warrior named Sydney.
How Did Juju Watkins and Lindsay Gottlieb Support a 9-Year-Old Cancer Fighter?
Sydney shared a brief but powerful video on Instagram that resonated far beyond its few seconds of footage. The 9-year-old, battling B-cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia, appeared hooked up to medical wires while dribbling a basketball. Despite her challenging circumstances, Sydney maintained her connection to the game she loves.
The post caption simply read “This is one way of getting your night meds.” The clip gained widespread attention, eventually reaching Watkins, who responded with encouragement, commenting “Let’s goooo 💪🏽🫶🏽” to cheer on Sydney.
USC coach Lindsay Gottlieb quickly followed her star player’s lead, reposting the video to her Instagram story with her own supportive message. Gottlieb wrote, “You go @sydbballin! We see you working and we have your back!”
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Sydney, now 18 days post-bone marrow transplant at UCSF, has endured everything from mucositis to relentless nausea and fevers. Much like Watkins, she continues fighting while maintaining her love for the game. However, this moment represents something bigger than basketball for Watkins.
What Drives Juju Watkins’ Commitment to Community Service?
Watkins consistently uses her platform to give back to the community, drawing inspiration from her family’s legacy of service. Her great-grandfather, Ted Watkins, was a civil rights activist who founded the Watts Labor Community Action Committee in 1965. Although Watkins never met him, his story continues to fuel her mission beyond basketball.
“I think it always pushes me to think more than just basketball. I feel like my family, my great-grandfather and my grandfather, have done so much for the community that it inspires me to want to take that step and really use my platform for something bigger than just basketball,” Watkins explained. She has consistently demonstrated this commitment throughout her career.
“Don’t Move… Improve.”
JuJu Watkins’ motivation to revitalize @uscwbb reflects her family’s history of building up their own community in Watts.#BlackHistoryMonth | #USCBHM pic.twitter.com/tKbDQAvbl8
— USC Trojans (@USC_Athletics) February 28, 2024
Watkins has opened up about how cancer has personally affected her family, even in a paid partnership with pharmaceutical company Eli Lilly. “As someone who knows how cancer can impact a family, this message from Lilly is near to my heart,” she shared on Instagram. From organizing the Good JuJu Holiday Giveback to rallying corporate partners for various causes across Los Angeles, Watkins actively demonstrates her commitment to making a difference.
Coach Gottlieb’s support extends far beyond the basketball court as well. Earlier this year, Watkins and her coach appeared together at events like the LA Dodgers Foundation Blue Diamond Gala. Together, they continue showing the world that the most impactful plays don’t always happen on the hardwood, but in moments of genuine compassion and human connection.
