When people look up JJ Watt's wife, they usually expect a brief mention of a spouse standing quietly in the VIP suite. In reality, Kealia Ohai Watt is an accomplished elite athlete in her own right. She spent nearly a decade playing professional soccer in the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) and won a gold medal representing the United States on youth international stages.
Born Kealia Mae Ohai on January 31, 1992, in Draper, Utah, she built a stellar athletic career long before marrying the three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year. This guide explores her background, her rise through collegiate and professional soccer, their relationship, and their current business ventures together.
Early Life and High School Dominance
Athleticism ran deep in the Ohai household. Her father, Ben Ohai, named her after Kealia Beach in Kauai, Hawaii. Her older sister, Megan, also played collegiate soccer and won an NCAA championship at USC.
Kealia attended Alta High School in Utah, where she turned high school soccer into a personal showcase. She led her varsity team to four consecutive state championships from 2006 to 2009. Her individual accolades piled up rapidly:
- Named Gatorade State Player of the Year twice.
- Earned a spot as a three-time first-team high school All-American.
- Honored as the 2010 NSCAA National High School Player of the Year.
These achievements made her one of the most sought-after recruits in the country, setting the stage for a dominant college run.
Collegiate Success at North Carolina
Kealia chose the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill to play for the legendary Tar Heels soccer program under coach Anson Dorrance. Playing for UNC brings immense pressure, but she immediately met the challenge.
During her freshman season in 2010, she led the team in scoring with 14 goals. Her crowning collegiate achievement came in 2012 when she helped lead North Carolina to an NCAA National Championship. In the tournament semifinals, she scored a game-winning goal in overtime, followed by the opening goal in the second minute of the final match. The conference and tournament committees named her the Most Outstanding Offensive Player of the tournament, cementing her status as a clutch big-game performer.
Professional Soccer Career in the NWSL
Following her stellar college career, the Houston Dash selected Kealia as the second overall pick in the 2014 NWSL College Draft. She became the face of the expansion franchise, serving as the team's captain and primary offensive spark.
Over six seasons with Houston, she made 114 appearances and established herself as a consistent threat on the wing. In 2020, she was traded to the Chicago Red Stars, where she continued her professional career.
On the international stage, she represented the United States across various youth levels. Most notably, she scored the game-winning goal for the U-20 United States team in the final of the 2012 FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup against Germany. She earned her first cap for the senior United States Women's National Team in 2016, scoring just 48 seconds after coming on as a substitute against Switzerland—one of the fastest goals by a debutant in team history.
Relationship and Marriage to JJ Watt
The paths of Kealia Ohai and JJ Watt crossed through mutual connections in the Houston sports community while he played for the Houston Texans and she played for the Houston Dash. Brian Cushing, a former Texans linebacker who was married to Kealia's sister Megan, played a key role in introducing them.
The couple began dating in 2016, though they kept their relationship relatively private initially while managing demanding professional athletic schedules in the same city. After publicizing their relationship, sports media frequently covered them as one of the prominent power couples in American athletics.
JJ proposed in May 2019 during a romantic setup near the ocean. They married on February 15, 2020, in the Bahamas, surrounded by family, close friends, and numerous NFL and soccer colleagues. They welcomed their first son, Koa, in October 2022, followed by their second son, Niko.
Post-Retirement Ventures and Burnley FC Ownership
After stepping away from competitive professional soccer, Kealia transitioned into new ventures alongside her husband. Both remain deeply engaged in sports business and media.
In 2023, JJ and Kealia became minority investors in Burnley F.C., an English professional football club. Unlike passive celebrity investors, the Watts made multiple trips to Turf Moor to immerse themselves in the club's culture, engage with local fans, and support both the men's and women's squads. Their active involvement highlights a shared passion for soccer that predates their marriage. You can read more about the club's structure on the Burnley FC Official Site.
They also focus heavily on philanthropic efforts, supporting youth sports initiatives and community programs in Texas, Wisconsin, and beyond through the JJ Watt Foundation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Kealia Ohai Watt's soccer background?
She was a star forward and midfielder who won an NCAA title at North Carolina, captured the 2012 FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup with the US youth national team, and played professionally for the Houston Dash and Chicago Red Stars in the NWSL.
How did JJ Watt and Kealia meet?
They met through family connections in Houston when JJ played for the NFL's Texans and Kealia played for the NWSL's Dash. Her sister Megan was married to former NFL linebacker Brian Cushing, which helped facilitate their introduction.
When did they get married?
They got married on February 15, 2020, in the Bahamas after dating for roughly three and a half years.
Do they have children?
Yes, they have two sons named Koa and Niko.
What do they do now?
Following JJ's retirement from the NFL in 2022, the couple focuses on family, media projects, and sports investments, including their minority ownership stake in English soccer club Burnley F.C..
