Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Kealia Ohai

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: July 17, 2026

Discover the career path of Kealia Ohai, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Kealia Ohai (now Watt) is a distinguished former professional soccer player who competed in the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL). She played the majority of her career for the Houston Dash, serving as the team's captain and becoming their all-time leading goal scorer. Known for her pace and clinical finishing, she also represented the United States women's national soccer team, notably scoring the game-winning goal in the 2012 FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup final. Beyond her club success, she was a significant figure in American women's soccer throughout the 2010s. Ohai retired from professional play in 2021 after a successful career that saw her transition into a prominent public profile. She is also recognized for her marriage to NFL star J.J. Watt, and the couple is active in philanthropic efforts.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1973: Ben Watt's All-American Wrestling Achievement

In 1973, Ben Watt, the father of Kealia Watt, earned recognition as an All-American wrestler while competing for Brigham Young University.

1974: Ben Watt's Continued All-American Wrestling Success

Following his initial recognition, Ben Watt continued to excel in his sport, securing his status as an All-American wrestler at Brigham Young University during the 1974 season.

2006: Commencement of State Championship Streak

Starting in 2006, Kealia Watt led her Alta High School varsity soccer team to the first of four consecutive state soccer championships.

2007: Megan Ohai's NCAA Championship Win

In 2007, Kealia Watt's sister, Megan Ohai, achieved a significant milestone in her athletic career by winning the NCAA championship while playing soccer for USC.

2009: Conclusion of State Championship Streak

In 2009, Kealia Watt capped off a dominant four-year run by securing her fourth straight state soccer championship with the Alta High School team.

June 2010: High School Graduation and Accolades

In June 2010, Kealia Watt graduated from Alta High School and was named the NSCAA National High School Player of the Year, while also earning Parade All-American honors.

2010: Beginning of Collegiate Soccer Career

In 2010, Kealia Watt began her collegiate soccer career as a four-year starter for the University of North Carolina Tar Heels, a role she maintained through 2013.

2012: NCAA Championship and FIFA U-20 World Cup Victory

In 2012, Kealia Watt achieved significant success by winning the NCAA championship with the North Carolina Tar Heels and scoring the decisive winning goal for the United States during the final match of the 2012 FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup.

2012: 2012 Championship Victory and Individual Honors

In 2012, Kealia Watt helped the Tar Heels win the championship, earning the title of the tournament's most outstanding offensive player after scoring the game-winning goal in the semi-final and the opening goal in the final match.

2012: Victory at the 2012 FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup

In 2012, Kealia Watt played a pivotal role as a member of the U.S. U-20 Women's National Team, scoring the decisive goal in the 44th minute of the final match to secure a victory against Germany and win the 2012 FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup.

2013: Conclusion of Collegiate Soccer Tenure

In 2013, Kealia Watt concluded her tenure as a four-year starter for the Tar Heels soccer team.

2014: 2014 NWSL Rookie of the Year Runner-up

Following the 2014 season, Kealia Watt finished as the runner-up in the voting for the NWSL Rookie of the Year award.

2014: Selection in 2014 NWSL College Draft

In 2014, Kealia Watt (then Ohai) was selected as the second overall pick in the NWSL College Draft by the Houston Dash, becoming the expansion team's inaugural college draft selection.

October 23, 2016: USWNT International Debut

On October 23, 2016, Kealia Watt made her senior international debut for the US women's national team in a friendly against Switzerland. She achieved a historic milestone by scoring just 48 seconds after subbing into the match, establishing a new record for the fastest goal in a debut for the team.

2016: Kealia Watt's Breakout 2016 NWSL Season

During the 2016 season, Kealia Watt was appointed team captain, led a prolific scoring streak of 11 goals in 10 games, earned NWSL Player of the Week honors twice, tied for the Golden Boot, and was selected for the NWSL Best XI.

2017: 2017 NWSL Season Injury and Performance

During the 2017 season, Kealia Watt successfully scored two goals in 10 appearances before suffering a season-ending ACL tear during a match against the Orlando Pride on June 24, 2017.

April 22, 2018: Return to the Pitch Against Orlando Pride

On April 22, 2018, Kealia Watt made her official return to professional soccer competition, playing in a match against the Orlando Pride following her recovery period.

July 2018: USWNT Training Camp Call-up

In July 2018, Watt received a call-up to the USWNT training camp for the 2018 Tournament of Nations, marking her return to the national team picture following a knee injury; however, she was ultimately not selected for the final roster.

January 6, 2020: Trade to the Chicago Red Stars

On January 6, 2020, Kealia Watt was traded to the Chicago Red Stars in a deal that involved the exchange of defender Katie Naughton and the 18th overall selection in the 2020 NWSL College Draft.

2021: Kealia Watt becomes a free agent

Following the conclusion of the 2021 season, Kealia Watt officially became a free agent in her professional soccer career.

May 1, 2023: Investment in Burnley Football Club

On May 1, 2023, Kealia Watt and her husband were officially announced as minority investors in the English football club Burnley, a team that successfully secured promotion from the EFL Championship to the Premier League for the 2023–24 campaign.

April 12, 2024: Broadcast Debut as NWSL Analyst

On April 12, 2024, Kealia Watt made her official debut as a sideline analyst for Amazon's Prime Video broadcast, covering a professional soccer match between the Houston Dash and the Washington Spirit.