Student-Athlete
Ally Watt '19
By Scott Retzlaff
Texas A&M was an easy choice for Ally Watt.
A two-sport star at Pine Creek High School in Colorado Springs, Colo., Watt visited universities across the country to pursue her dream of playing collegiate soccer. None measured up to A&M.
“I always compared other schools I visited to Texas A&M,” Watt admitted. “This university has an amazing culture that is unmatched anywhere else. I even came to visit A&M when there weren't students on campus, but I was still so intrigued and consumed by it.”
Since joining the Aggie Soccer program in 2015, Watt has enjoyed an extraordinary career representing the maroon and white. As a junior, the speedy forward was a semifinalist for the Mac Hermann Trophy - the most prestigious individual award in college soccer - and earned accolades that included United Soccer Coaches All-America First Team, TopDrawerSoccer.com Best XI Second Team, All-South Region First Team and All-SEC First Team.
“Making the United Soccer Coaches All-America First Team was a goal I set for myself prior to the 2018 season,” Watt admitted. “I had it written at home and in my locker so that I'd see it every single day. It took a lot of work to achieve it. It's something I see as a great honor, and it showed the kind of growth I've been able to achieve at A&M.”
The senior's leadership and talent has helped Aggie Soccer continue its remarkable run as one of the premier programs in the nation. Watt, who redshirted during the 2016 season to participate in the FIFA U20 Women's World Cup, has unmatched speed and the ability to terrorize defenses, even with most opponents sending multiple defenders at the former high school track star. She's a goal scorer, a creator for her teammates and a well-rounded player.
The senior's leadership and talent has helped Aggie Soccer continue its remarkable run as one of the premier programs in the nation. Watt, who redshirted during the 2016 season to participate in the FIFA U20 Women's World Cup, has unmatched speed and the ability to terrorize defenses, even with most opponents sending multiple defenders at the former high school track star. She's a goal scorer, a creator for her teammates and a well-rounded player.
“Thank you to our donors. We are very appreciative and grateful for what they do. They don't have to do it. They do it out of the kindness of their heart and their love for this university. What they do helps develop athletes and students that will represent this university in a great way, even after they leave Texas A&M.”
GO ABOVE AND BEYOND FOR AGGIE ATHLETICS
Philanthropic gifts to the Annual Fund help provide the resources needed for student-athletes like Ally Watt to be successful in competition and in the classroom. Contact Callie Boenigk at 979-260-2394 to increase your impact or click here to donate
In the classroom, Watt is an extremely proud graduate of Texas A&M. She walked the stage in May earning a bachelor's degree in University Studies (focused in Business) with minors in both Coaching and Sport Management.
“I was blessed to earn a degree at one of the most amazing universities in the world,” Watt said.
One of 10 finalists for soccer's 2019 Senior CLASS Award, which recognizes student-athletes who have notable achievements in competition, the classroom, character and the community, Watt is competing in her final season at A&M this fall while pursuing a master's degree in Sport Management.
Watt calls it an honor and a privilege to earn a scholarship to A&M, and she's grateful to the 12th Man Foundation donors for making it possible.
“When I was offered a scholarship, I just never wanted to take it for granted,” Watt said. “The 12th Man Foundation is so supportive and just really shows that they care for us. They don't just care about us as athletes. They really want us to excel as student-athletes to make sure that we find success in sports and after sports in our professional lives.”
Once her time in Aggieland comes to an end, Watt plans to continue her soccer career professionally. Her experience and education at A&M has helped prepare her for whatever is ahead.
“I've always felt like this is home,” Watt said. “I wanted to find a school that would be good for growth both on and off the field. Looking back at the past four and a half years, I made a really good choice. I've grown so much here...spiritually, personally and with soccer.”