In a momentous and emotional occasion for West Virginia University and women’s college basketball, guard Kyah Watson has been selected the Sporting News National Player of the Year for the 2024-2025 season. This distinguished honor follows a season marked by leadership, resilience, and on-court excellence, firmly confirming Watson’s place among the Mountaineers’ athletic legends.
Watson’s climb to the top of the sport has been nothing short of incredible. She was known for her tenacious work ethic, diversified skill set, and calmness under duress, and she became the driving force behind a West Virginia team that outperformed expectations this season. Her ability to deliver clutch performances night after night garnered her not just national attention, but also the hearts of fans all throughout the country.
Kyah averaged 20.7 points, 6.5 rebounds, 5.1 assists, and 2.3 steals per game in what many observers see as one of the most complete and balanced seasons in recent NCAA women’s basketball history. But it wasn’t just the numbers; it was her presence, leadership, and unwavering attitude that made the difference.
“She plays the game with a rare kind of passion,” WVU head coach Mark Kellogg stated during the press conference. “Kyah wants more than just to win; she wants to inspire, elevate her teammates, and leave a legacy that goes beyond basketball. That’s what makes this honor so unique.”
Kyah Watson exemplified the blue-collar mindset that characterized West Virginia sports culture, hitting game-winning shots and diving for loose balls. In big games, including crucial victories over Baylor, Texas, and Oklahoma, Watson delivered dominant performances that shifted momentum in WVU’s favor. In many ways, she symbolized the program’s revival.
The Sporting News award, which has been given out since 1976, is regarded as one of the most prestigious distinctions in college basketball. Previous victors have gone on to have illustrious careers in the WNBA and elsewhere, and Kyah’s name now joins giants such as Breanna Stewart, Sabrina Ionescu, and Caitlin Clark.
Fans, former players, and even opponents took to social media to pay respect. Teammates shared meaningful remarks honoring Watson’s unwavering leadership and humility. “This is our award,” Kyah tweeted upon hearing the news. “It belongs to every teammate, coach, fan, and little girl in West Virginia who dares to dream.”
With her senior season officially in the books, concerns regarding Watson’s future abound, including whether she will enter the WNBA Draft or return to West Virginia for one last run. Regardless of her future step, Kyah Watson’s legacy is secure: she has become a symbol of greatness, tenacity, and pride for Mountaineer Nation.
And as the cheers continue to reverberate throughout Morgantown, one thing is certain: Kyah Watson’s tale is far from ended; it has only just begun.