Junior Kela Watts ’26 is a student-athlete on the varsity women’s lacrosse team. The attack from Tampa, FL made an immediate impact on her arrival to Swarthmore, scoring one goal and assisting two in an eleven-game appearance in her first collegiate season. The next year, Watts started all fifteen games, scoring fifteen goals and tallying three assists. On top of her athletic achievements, she was included in the Centennial Conference Academic Honor Roll in 2024. Opening her junior season with an aggressive start, Watts scored three goals against Widener University, including the overtime game-winning shot (12-11). Women’s lacrosse plays Alvernia University at Clothier Field Stadium on Saturday.
Aimee Lee: As a junior in college, what are some notable memories or experiences you’ve had at Swarthmore so far?
Kela Watts: So far, my most notable experience was studying abroad in Copenhagen, Denmark last semester. The whole junior class on the lacrosse team decided to go abroad in the fall and make the most out of this amazing opportunity that Swat offers, and something that I will be forever grateful for.
AL: How did you feel throughout your opening game against Widener University on Saturday?
KW: I was so excited to get the chance to be back on the field with my team. Widener is a competitive team, so a close game was to be expected. The score went back and forth until the end. I remember overtime in the greatest detail. We had a beautiful draw win and a good offensive possession that ended with a save. Then, we had a great defensive play to force a turnover and send the ball back to the offensive side. After we weren’t able to break free for a shot, the overtime clock was winding down and the ball was in my stick. I had no choice but to make one move and shoot it. I was so excited (and relieved) when I saw the ball hit the back of the net as if it were in slow motion.
AL: What goes through your mind before, during, and after a game?
KW: Before the game I need to get into a mindset to compete, which includes changing any negative energy into excitement. During the game, I try to not overthink plays and let what I have learned from practices lead my actions. After a game (especially wins), I love to celebrate with my teammates. Whether at the tailgate or later in the evening, I love the time we all spend together.
AL: What are some team or personal goals for the rest of the season?
KW: A big team goal that I have is for the team to make the Centennial Conference playoffs. We have not done so since I have been at Swarthmore, and I really want to compete during the playoff week. In terms of personal goals, I want to help the team reach our goals in any way that I can.
AL: Who is an athlete you look up to and why?
KW: Tom Brady because of his “never quit” mentality. Despite being drafted in the sixth round of the draft and serving as a backup quarterback (QB) to Drew Bledsoe, he was ready to show up and take full advantage of the opportunity when his time came.
AL: Athletics, academics, and a social life can be difficult to balance, especially in-season; how do you manage your day-to-day schedule?
KW: I think it is a matter of using your time wisely and capitalizing on the limited free time you have. Thirty minutes in between class is enough time to sit down and get something done. I also think it is important to remember that all you can do is your best, and that it is impossible to be perfect.
AL: Why did you choose Swarthmore? What is your area of study?
KW: I chose Swarthmore because I felt immediately drawn to the tight-knit community (including the team). I was looking for a liberal arts school where I could get a balanced education and Swarthmore seemed to fit that criterion. I am a double major in Neuroscience and Economics.
AL: What is your favorite class that you’ve taken at Swarthmore?
KW: Microeconomics is my favorite class that I have taken at Swarthmore. The class was not easy, but you could see the real-world implications of economics, which made my desire to learn that much greater. I liked being able to solve problems that were representative of something that I felt was tangible in my daily life.
AL: What advice would you give to incoming students and/or varsity athletes at Swarthmore?
KW: The best advice I can give is to make the most out of every moment and experience.
AL: Any movie/TV recommendations?
KW: My favorite show of all time is “How I Met Your Mother.” It is a happy, feel-good show that never fails to put me in a good mood.
