When JuJu Watkins stepped up to the free-throw line, opposing fans let their frustrations be known.

They groaned loudly when they suspected she had traveled, and they erupted in boos as a Maryand player was called for a foul against her late in the tense game.

However, the most revealing moment for Watkins came during her introduction before the matchup as the visiting player for USC.

At that time, she received a warm round of applause.

The Trojans triumphed over Maryland with a score of 79-74 in a highly anticipated women’s basketball clash, witnessed by over 14,000 fans at Xfinity Center. Watkins tied for the team’s high score with 21 points, but her contributions were deeper than the statistics.

The Trojans had just come from Rutgers in New Jersey, where 7,356 fans, many of whom sported “JuJu buns” hairstyles, had filled the smaller venue. By the time they departed the Maryland court, USC players were met with cheers from several thousand more supporters.

“JuJu has made a significant cultural impact,” commented head coach Lindsay Gottlieb during the team’s successful East Coast trip. “The way fans, both girls and boys, have been drawn to the game and how it has benefited our program is impressive. It’s not easy to make a winning influence like she has.”

“She has attracted other talented players, and when kids see them, they can identify with their aspirations, even wearing the bun hairstyle like hers.”

At 6-2, sophomore guard Watkins is perhaps the standout in a sport that recently saw its women’s national championship game outdraw the men’s version in viewership, as South Carolina defeated Iowa.

“She’s gained a following quicker than even Caitlin Clark did,” said Howard Megdal, a seasoned analyst in women’s basketball who is currently penning a book about Clark set to release in June. “This is due in part to the increased interest in women’s basketball that Clark helped elevate.”

Clark, the outstanding guard from Iowa, became a sensation last season, shattering the all-time Division 1 scoring record while exemplifying not just skill and grace but also approachability.

Watkins is demonstrating that being a remarkable athlete is just one facet of appealing to younger players.

“It’s this blend of her exceptional skills and her stylish play, combined with her charismatic persona off the court,” Megdal explained.

Observing Watkins, we witness smooth jumpers, aggressive drives, and impressive fakes, but we also see how she presents herself in a relatable manner for youths in sports. Here are four ways she sets an example:

We can always show kindness to our supporters, and we truly shine in our humility

As I nearly collided with Watkins, who slipped into a tunnel away from the spectators before the game, it was a brief moment that spoke volumes.

A fan granted court access noticed her and asked for a quick photo. Watkins didn’t hesitate; she crouched down to fit into the shot, adjusting the woman’s phone with grace.

This 10-second encounter showcased that the JuJu who dazzles crowds in Los Angeles is also the same kind individual when approached for a quick moment.

“She’s incredibly humble and genuinely nice,” remarked Raunda Williams, whose daughter, Laura, plays as a freshman forward for the Trojans.

Williams, who is married to Doug Williams, the MVP of Super Bowl 22 and now an executive with the Washington Commanders, stood in line with her high school-age daughter, Lee, to enter the chilly Maryland game.

“Watkins brings a vibrant energy wherever she plays, and fans flock in, even those who don’t support USC, just to watch her,” Raunda Williams noted.

Success in sports can be fleeting, but how we treat others is lasting. For young athletes, these small moments can shape who we truly are.

I’ve observed athletes rush past opposing coaches when they could simply say hello, or ask their parents to carry their gear out to the car while treating their success as their only entitlement.

Be that athlete who greets everyone with respect or offers to help your coach carry their equipment during trials. Moments like these are often when coaches are observing your character.

The best coaches recognize that what you do when you believe you are unnoticed reveals the most about your character.

Even the star player can find room for growth

Ted Watkins Sr., JuJu’s great-grandfather, was an active leader in the United Auto Workers Union. In 1965, he established the Watts Labor Community Action Committee (WLCAC), which formed simultaneously with the Watts Riots.

Through WLCAC, Watkins rallied and inspired community support to rebuild and strengthen neighborhoods with a straightforward motto: “Don’t move. Improve.”

“This has taught me the value of community and the importance of remembering my roots. It plays a significant role in my journey and my dedication on the court,” Watkins said in a USC video released last February.

Reflecting on her upbringing in Watts, a neighborhood located in South Los Angeles, JuJu Watkins joined USC as the leading recruit in the county. She aimed to elevate a program that is closely tied to her community, playing a key role in leading USC to the Elite Eight in the 2023-24 season.

While Watkins’ scoring average has slightly decreased from 27.1 to 24.9 this season, her overall performance has shown significant improvement.

Watkins displays heightened confidence in her techniques and choices on the court. Statistically, she has boosted her shooting percentage while reducing turnovers. Each game and team she faces becomes a chance for further development.

“In my freshman year, I entered without much knowledge, but now I possess a better perspective and I’m able to enhance my basketball IQ, which is crucial,” she mentioned earlier this month, “and this progress comes from mastering the game and developing in all aspects.”

Great coaches, regardless of whether they’re in youth sports, college, or professional environments, tend to agree: making a team or gaining admission to a school signifies the beginning of real effort.

For younger athletes, there is always someone more skilled out there. The top competitors, including players like Watkins, operate with this mindset as well.

“Some athletes bring an edge or play with a bit of anger,” described Emillio Roberts, a fan eager to see Watkins play on that chilly night in Maryland. “She simply plays hard. If she gets knocked down, she rises back up. That’s the resilience you want to witness; a player like that has a bright future ahead.”

Competitions allow us to demonstrate our skills, while practices are where we improve.

Roberts is a close family friend of Isaiah Collier, who was a standout on the Trojans’ men’s squad last season and is now with the Utah Jazz.

Recently, while giving Roberts a tour of USC’s campus, Collier’s father, Dwain, opened a door at a sports facility to find Watkins diligently working out with her trainer.

“She was there, training alone, tirelessly working on her shots instead of heading home after practice,” Roberts recounted. “People often overlook the reality that while she garners accolades and NIL opportunities, she truly puts in the effort.”

Successful teams require rigorous practice. For youth sports, this translates to everyone being fully engaged. Coaches should focus on impactful sessions rather than extended practices, reducing talking and increasing game-focused drills to capture the team’s attention in shorter spans.

Before USC’s match against Connecticut in December, Coach Gottlieb emphasized the need for such focused training.

“During finals, it’s easy for players’ minds to wander, but knowing UConn is next keeps their attention sharp,” Gottlieb stated after USC celebrated a historic win against the Huskies. “To compete at an elite level, our practices must mirror that, and we had some of our best practices leading up to it. That level of intensity fosters improvement.”

‘We all carry the weight’: The strongest players rely on teammates for support

During the third quarter of the Maryland match, Watkins held the ball at the top of the key, preparing for the last shot as the crowd rose to their feet.

She drove toward the lane and found freshman Kayleigh Heckel in the right corner, beyond the 3-point line, as her defender shifted towards her. Heckel had an unimpeded route to the basket.

She surged to the basket and scored, converting a 3-point play that tied the game and shifted its momentum.

Watkins’ assists have also seen a slight increase this season (from 3.3 to 3.9). Observing her on the court and off, one can perceive the strong bond she shares with her teammates.

“Playing with her boosts our team’s confidence tremendously,” said USC forward Kiki Iriafen after the Connecticut game. “Seeing her make shots fearlessly… she makes it seem effortless.”

After the Maryland game, Watkins was seen chatting with Gottlieb and Iriafen, a recent Stanford transfer who co-led scoring with 21 points, as they spoke with the media. Their camaraderie was apparent as they laughed and interacted with ease.

“I believe the responsibility of pushing women’s basketball forward is shared among us,” Watkins noted when asked about their role. “No one plays in solitude. I’m supported by my teammates, and we share this platform together.”

Many young athletes can perform impressive feats—whether it’s hitting the ball far, throwing with strength, or shooting accurately on a court. However, coaches also seek out players who uplift their teammates, especially at high school and college levels.

Even when you’re having a rough game or tryout, you can always offer congratulations to someone who is excelling. This not only boosts your morale, but can also ease the pressures of competition, fostering friendships that might last well beyond your athletic pursuits.