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.
19 hours ago : Real Salt Lake Apologizes to Kealia Ohai After JJ Watt Criticism
Real Salt Lake issued an apology after JJ Watt publicly criticized the club for failing to identify his wife, former NWSL star Kealia Ohai Watt, in a social media post highlighting local soccer figures.
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.
January 31, 1992: Birth of Kealia Mae Ohai
On January 31, 1992, Kealia Mae Ohai, who would go on to become a professional soccer player, was born.
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.
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 2016: Public confirmation of relationship
In October 2016, Kealia Watt publicly confirmed that she was in a relationship with professional NFL player J. J. Watt.
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: Knee Injury
During the 2017 calendar year, Kealia Watt suffered a knee injury that sidelined her from international play for an extended period, preventing her from receiving national team call-ups until mid-2018.
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.
May 2019: Engagement
Kealia Watt and J. J. Watt reached a milestone in their relationship by becoming engaged in May 2019.
February 15, 2020: Marriage to J. J. Watt
On February 15, 2020, Kealia Watt married NFL player J. J. Watt during a wedding ceremony held in the Bahamas, after which she adopted her married name.
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.
October 23, 2022: Birth of first son
Kealia Watt and J. J. Watt welcomed their first son, Koa, into the world on October 23, 2022.
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.
2023: Confirmation of professional retirement
In 2023, Kealia Watt's husband confirmed during an interview with People magazine that she had retired from professional soccer, effectively ending public speculation regarding a potential return to the sport.
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.
June 14, 2025: Birth of second son
On June 14, 2025, Kealia Watt and J. J. Watt celebrated the birth of their second son, named Niko Benjamin Watt.
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