How it all came to be ...
At the seasoned age of 19, Jamie Watson has already established himself as one of the future stars of Real Salt Lake and Major League Soccer. He is a gifted athlete whose speed and quickness has propelled him into the highest soccer league in the United States. But what Watson lacks in age, he definitely makes up for in experience. He has participated in over 50 national team games for the U-17's and the U-20's, tallying over 20 goals in his young career. He also earned a starting spot alongside Freddie Adu during the 2004 FIFA U-17 World Championships, where he netted one goal and assisted on another. Watson has already made 12 appearances this year for the U-20's and continues to be an offensive threat whereever he plays.
Growing up in North Texas, Watson had an obvious passion for the game. However, it was his parents that decided to introduce him to sports, where he would soon excel, simply because their boy had too much energy. What seemed to be a short-term solution to his energy quandary soon began to shape his future and Watson knew he wanted to be a professional soccer player.
He began playing competitive soccer at the age of 10 and it was obvious that he was unique. His soccer skills, exemplified from the beginning, soon provided him with opportunities that would introduce him to the highest levels of youth soccer. Watson began playing in Olympic Development Program (ODP) regional and national tournaments and at the age of 16 collected a number of awards. He was named the 2002 MVP of the ODP National Championship, where along the way he helped lead North Texas to a title. That was here where Coach John Ellinger discovered the promising young star.
Watson played for two years at Coppell High School. He holds the record at Coppell for the most goals by a freshman and a sophomore. After his sophomore year, Watson moved to Florida to begin training with Ellinger and the U-17's. He then decided to attend the University of North Carolina, where he was named the ACC Freshman of the Year and collected Second Team honors in 2003. Watson tied for the Tar Heels' scoring lead with 15 points on five goals and five assists.
In 2004, Watson appeared in 20 games, starting 12 of them, and again tied for the team lead in points, scoring seven goals and assisting on four more. His college career was short-lived, however, as he decided to turn pro after his sophomore season. What impacted his decision to turn pro more than anything else at that time was the possibility of playing for Ellinger in MLS. Watson decided to forego his remaining years of eligibility at UNC and was selected in the second round (13th overall) in the 2005 MLS Super Draft.
Coach Ellinger's Call ...
"Jamie brings a lot of high energy to each game; my nickname for him is 'The Pest,' because he drives defenders crazy. Jamie is an excellent finisher and I don't think he gets enough credit for that."
Field Vision: Forward Jason Kreis says ... "Jamie is the type of player with a never-say-die attitude. He never quits on a ball and it is his effort that is going to continue to bring him success."
Things you need to know ...Family:
Parents Janet and Wess Watson. Has twin brothers Kevin and Brett (20 years-old)
Favorite Athlete:
Andy Roddick
Charities/Causes:
Special Olympics, Make-a-Wish-Foundation
Hobbies:
Listening to music, playing cards
Most Memorable Moments: Playing in the U-17 World Championship
Favorite Music:
Rap and Country
Favorite Movie:
Anchorman
Favorite Food:
Mexican
Favorite Book:
ANG by John Grishman
Favorite TV Show:
Sports Center
