USC coach pens heartfelt message for JuJu Watkins on special day

The USC Trojans knocked on the door of a national championship last season. Led by JuJu Watkins, they felt like they could hold their ground against the crème of the crop.

Unfortunately, the superstar guard sustained a season-ending injury when it mattered the most, leaving her program quite shorthanded during the NCAA Tournament.

Now, she’s recovering and taking things one day at a time. But for today at least, she shouldn’t think about her injury. It’s her birthday, which is why Coach Lindsay Gottlieb took to Instagram to pen an emotional message for her.

USC coach congratulates Watkins on her birthday

“Happiest birthday. What a thing to be on this part of your life journey with you. Beyond all levels of talent, it’s the human you are that draws people to you. Have the best day!” the post read.

The Trojans will make sure that Watkins is back to full strength and in no jeopardy of aggravating her injury before letting her take the court again. That might mean losing the upcoming season altogether.

Even so, we’re talking about one of the future faces of basketball, and we’re not talking just about women’s basketball. It won’t be easy, but it will be for the best in the long run.