Sydney Watson has proven — or maybe reinforced — this season that she can be a force for the UConn women’s lacrosse program.
On March 9, Watson was named the US Lacrosse Magazine Player of the Week after securing 24 draws and scoring 10 goals in wins over Albany and UMass. Against UMass, the scored the game-winner in overtime. A few days later, the senior midfielder was named to the Tewaaraton Award Watch List.
This past weekend, Watson’s 10 points helped the Huskies secure two road victories over Marquette. With a 6-2 (2-0 Big East) record, the Huskies are playing with confidence. They have hopes of winning a conference title. Watson’s domination of draw controls and clutch scoring have fueled UConn’s momentous run.
“We’re off to such an amazing start and can get to the championship as long we continue to do what we need to,” Watson said.
LEADING THE PACK
Watson’s production has reached national acclaim. She ranks fourth nationally in both draw controls per game (9.25) and is tied for 18th nationally in goals per game (3.75). She credits her teammates’ hard work for creating scoring opportunities. Watson finds equal pride in defensive success that leads to those offensive chances.
Extensive practice drills helped Watson sharpen her edge on the draw, and she admitted that even though she might sometimes make it look easy, it certainly is not.
“Doing extra work and making small tweaks to my game allows me to improve every day,” Watson said.
Watson believes that resiliency is the most important quality midfielders must possess. Team momentum can fade if one dwells upon missed opportunities and turnovers. Just like in life, time waits for no one.
“Being a leader on and off the field has its pressures,” Watson said.
Ever the clutch player, Watson’s resilience helped her to score game-winning goals against both UMass and Marquette this month.
The student-athlete experience can be challenging, and Watson said she is thankful for the academic support system UConn provides. Even while playing a Division I sport at a high level, she makes time to see her academic advisors and tutors. A sharp mind translates to strategic understanding on the field.
Her performances have earned national recognition even before this year, despite playing for a non-traditional power. In 2019, she was named to the All-AAC first team and earned a second consecutive spot on the IWLCA All-Northeast Region second team.
“As a Black woman in a predominately white sport, it’s amazing to receive accolades and be celebrated amongst other awardees,” Watson said.
TRANSITION TO UCONN
Watson transitioned to UConn from an emerging hotbed in Calvert County, Md. Southern Maryland graduates like Watson have proven that lacrosse has produced national standouts in the rural region.
From 2016-17, Watson earned consecutive All-SMAC honors. She was a captain during her senior season as Calvert High School’s Female Athlete of the Year. In 2016, Watson helped Calvert win a 4x400 regional championship in track and was named to the Washington Post All-Met first team in soccer. In 2014, she won a Maryland state championship in soccer as a three-time All-SMAC selection.
Despite her overwhelming athletic portfolio, Watson said she had to overcome her fair share of doubters. She gained strength from trainers and coaches who celebrated her accomplishments, furthering her development and helping her quell the doubters of her past.
“Things like that fueled me to be better than I ever thought I could be while other people in my life trained me and taught me how to be the best that I can be,” she said.
Watson feels grateful for the training she experienced under Calvert girls’ lacrosse coach Keith Hicks and 3D Speed owner Greg Harris.
“Although I was often the only Black girl on the field, they helped me realize that I had everything I needed to succeed,” Watson said. “Supporting the community that got us to where we are shows just how thankful we are and what we can do to continue to make this world a better place.”
Initially, she didn’t understand the speed and skill college lacrosse required until joining UConn. This well-needed wakeup call helped Watson develop her physical and mental abilities. At first, she felt intimidated by coming to a program with players like Grace Nelson and Cassie Ekstrom. Watson was unsure if she was worthy of playing on their level, and the team embraced her like family. Like a rollercoaster, her confidence sharply inclined in tandem with her prolific play.
“Luckily, throughout the transition, my amazing team made it feel a lot easier,” Watson said. “Our coaches were extremely helpful and patient. They always told us that making mistakes were okay if we operated at 100 percent in everything we do.”
SUPPORTING THE FUTURE
Watson understands that the recent social climate has highlighted challenges that Black women have historically faced. Candid conversations lead to insights the sport must understand and build from, Watson said.
“Black women in lacrosse need to know they are not alone and people have their back to overcome obstacles others don’t face,” Watson said. “The lacrosse community needs to open their eyes and ears while seeing us for who we are. We have a big impact in the sport, just as everyone else does. In order to make the game better, continue to support and challenge us to be great.”
For Watson, lacrosse serves as an outlet that allows her to not worry about anything else in life. Looking back, Watson defined her collegiate career at UConn as an adventure.
“Playing lacrosse in the Big East was very important to me,” Watson said. “Coming from a small area to a big school like UConn was a huge step, and I’ve enjoyed every moment. Putting on that uniform and representing a school like this one is a feeling like no other. This university has opened so many opportunities for me and has grown my game to a level I would’ve said was impossible beforehand.”
She understands that the team-centric, communication and time management skills she learned as a student-athlete prepared her for the next chapter. She feels honored to represent UConn on and off the field. Watson will graduate with dual College of Liberal Arts and Sciences degrees. After studying the psychology and nature of criminals at UConn, Watson aspires to become a FBI profiler.