Shockwaves ripple through the sports galaxy as a star falls from space. A standout NCAA player succumbs to a terrible injury that might cost her the season, if not her career. This injury has triggered a domino effect, changing the trajectory of a team’s season prospects and the health of its players. As the word gets out, it has sparked a chain reaction of support and solidarity from the entire community. Amidst all this, a heartfelt gesture from Travis Kelce’s ex, Kayla Nicole, is in the spotlight.
USC Trojans standout JuJu Watkins has suffered an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear during the game on Monday, 24th March. This injury has left her teammates and fans in utter shock. Following this, the basketball community is rallying around her, along with the rest of the sports community. In an Instagram post shared by Revoltsports, Kayla shared powerful and heartwarming words for Watkins. Looking at the camera, as if straight at Watkins, she spoke of the importance of resilience and perseverance, urging her to stay strong through this trying time. “JuJu is built different, a competitor, a warrior, and a future legend. So this ACL injury is just another chapter in her story, certainly not the end of it. – We’re not going to call it a setback, rather a setup for an even greater comeback.”
During an early episode of the ‘New Heights’ podcast, even the Chiefs TE Travis Kelce spoke highly of JuJu Watkins, “We do know that JuJu Watkins is at the top of her game. Texas is – the number one seed. I think it’s kind of fair to say they’re the number one.” But alas, this hype was only to be short-lived.
So how did Watkins get hurt? It was during the second-round game of the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament against Mississippi State. At the Galen Center L.A., on Monday, March 24, the Trojans had an early lead of 13-2. The tragedy occurred barely into the first 5 minutes of the game. Watkins was on a fast break, trying to drive to the basket between two bulldog defenders. Her right knee buckled, and she fell, clutching her knee in pain. Carried out, unable to walk, a halftime announcement confirmed everyone’s fears – Watkins cannot play.
NCAA, College League, USA Womens Basketball: NCAA Tournament Second Round USC-Mississippi State Mar 24, 2025 Los Angeles, California, USA USC Trojans guard JuJu Watkins 12 injures her knee in the first quarter of an NCAA Tournament second round game against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Galen Center. , EDITORIAL USE ONLY PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xRobertxHanashirox 20250324_neb_wr6_0295
However, despite her absence, the halftime score was 50 – 27 and the Women of Troy dominated, refusing to budge. With the final score of 96 – 59, the Trojans emerged victorious, advancing to the Sweet 16. As the fans booed the Mississippi State every chance they got, they knew the loss of Watkins would mean a major blow to the USC.
Apart from Travis Kelce’s ex, many other notable figures like Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese, and Aliyah Boston have also expressed their well-wishes for her recovery. USC coach Lindsay Gottlieb, expressing her emotions, said, “I’d be lying if I told you that I wasn’t rattled seeing JuJu on the floor crying.”
Impact of Juju Watkins’ injury on the USC and NCAA Tournament
Mental resilience is pivotal in recovery, and that’s just what the community has ordered. Kayla’s message to Watkins shows the support and solidarity that runs deep in our sports community. Her words not only offer encouragement, but also remind Watkins of her strength off-court. Caitlin Clark was another name who sent a heartfelt message to Watkins, “Sending all my thoughts and prayers to JuJu. Kid will come back stronger than ever.” There is respect here, and a firm belief in a comeback story.
With Watkins’ injury, the USC now faces a crossroads. As they advance without their star player, the team will now rely on Kiki Iriafen to lead them forward. Their upcoming match against the Kansas State Wildcats on March 29 will be one to watch. All eyes will turn to the Spokane Arena, Washington, as the fans and the community wait with bated breath to see what the Trojans will do in the Sweet 16s.
As for JuJu, an ACL tear can usually take up to 9 – 12 months to heal, meaning we will not be seeing Watkins in the court for this season. As Watkins begins her recovery journey, it is important to realize her resilience and strength are going to be tested. Above all, she isn’t someone who backs down. So you can be sure of Watkins’ comeback. As for the USC, morale will be low, and strategy changes will be the order of the day. While they wait for their star to shine brightly again, we will wait to see what the USC has in store for us in the coming days.
The post Travis Kelce’s Ex Kayla Nicole Offers Encouraging Message to JuJu Watkins Amid Season-Ending Injury appeared first on EssentiallySports.