JuJu Watkins, a standout player for the USC Trojans women’s basketball team, made history on March 15, 2024, by becoming the first athlete to have her jersey retired at Sierra Canyon High School in Los Angeles. The momentous event took place during halftime of the boys’ basketball game against Notre Dame High School, marking a significant milestone for both the school and the athlete.
Over her three years at Sierra Canyon, Watkins, now 20 years old, earned numerous accolades, including being named the Gatorade National Girls Basketball Player of the Year and the Naismith National Player of the Year, both in 2023. She concluded her high school career in spectacular fashion, breaking her own single-game scoring record with an impressive 60 points on her senior night.
Reflecting on her return to Sierra Canyon, Watkins expressed nostalgia and gratitude. “This is my first time here since college, back here, so it’s just really nostalgic,” she told ESPN. “So many great memories from this place. I’m just super grateful to be here, see [my coach] again, see all the staff here. They really just poured into me. I’m just very honored to be the first one knowing so many great players have come out of this program.”
As she stood on the court surrounded by family, friends, and a packed arena, Watkins watched a video montage of her high school highlights before receiving her framed No. 12 jersey at center court. Among the attendees was Jayden Daniels, quarterback for the Washington Commanders, who shared in the celebration of this historic occasion.
Before the ceremonial jersey retirement, Watkins learned that she was not only the first girl to receive this honor but the first athlete overall in the school’s history. “I didn’t even know this,” she remarked, visibly surprised. “That’s pretty crazy. That’s insane. Sierra Canyon is such a great school and program for sports. To know that so many great players came out of here and for me to be the first, I’m just totally honored and speechless.”
Since its establishment in 2005, Sierra Canyon has produced a remarkable roster of athletes, including NBA players such as Marvin Bagley III, Amari Bailey, Bronny James, and Scotty Pippen Jr., as well as WNBA star Kennedy Burke. The decision to retire Watkins’ jersey was made by the school’s girls’ basketball head coach, Alicia Komaki, who emphasized the significance of Watkins’ achievements. “It felt like JuJu was just the right person,” Komaki said. “It had to be JuJu. And we are so happy that we could have her be the first one to have her jersey retired. We’re honored.”
Despite suffering a torn ACL in her right knee in March 2025, which will sideline her for the entire 2025-26 season, Watkins remains focused on her recovery. She stated, “My rehab, staying on top of everything, being proactive as much as I can. Just excited to get back when I get back. Getting a little impatient to be out there but I’m just really enjoying the process and just being really intentional.”
Watkins’ legacy at Sierra Canyon is now firmly cemented, and her journey will undoubtedly inspire future generations of athletes at the school and beyond.
