2018: Played in six games, pitching 10.1 innings … pitched a season-high 3.1 innings at Minnesota (4/25) … recorded four strikeouts on the season … started against North Carolina (2/17)
2017: Appeared in six games, pitching 10.1 innings … started in Wisconsin’s 10-7 win over Toledo (2/11) … earned a win against St. Joseph’s (2/18) allowing just two hits and dealing one strikeout.
2016: Appeared in eight games for the Badgers, starting once … pitched 22.1 innings and held an ERA of 6.90 … tallied a season-high four strikeouts against South Florida (2/27) … allowed a career-low four hits against Louisville (2/19) … pitched a season-high five innings and clinched the win against Santa Clara (3/13)
2015: Appeared in 22 games, starting 17 ... finished with an 8-9 record on the mound ... pitched a career-high 8.0 innings vs. Portland State (3/6) ... recorded a career-best eight strikeouts at Purdue (3/22) ... allowed a career-low four hits and one run in 4.2 innings pitched vs. Furman (3/13)
High School: The right-handed pitcher played for Edie Shankle at Lakewood High School and Team North Florida coached by Troy Whitt and Kevin Maguire ... in her senior year, posted an ERA of -.14 with 10 wins and a .474 batting average ... recorded 161 strikeouts in 98 innings pitched ... earned first-team all-county three consecutive years ... as a junior, led her team to best season in program history ... logged 166 strikeouts ... tossed for 111 innings ... played in 16 games and notched 13 wins with .63 ERA ... batted .500 with four homeruns ... was named Offensive Player of the Year after recording a .603 batting average as a sophomore ... recorded 220 strikeouts ... named to the All-Sun Coast team as a sophomore and junior ... notched a .561 batting average and 203 strikeouts in her freshman season earning her Rookie of the Year honors ... also played volleyball as a junior.
Personal: Parents are Lina Krakue and Carl Watts, and stepmother Elizabeth Watts ... she has three younger siblings, twins Cole and Cyle Watts (15) and Jadyn Watts (5) ... father, Carl, played football for the University of North Carolina from 1985-1989 and then later signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 1990 as an undrafted Free Agent ... he later played in the Arena Football League from 1991-1996 where he won 3 AFL Championships with the Tampa Bay Storm ... stepmother, Elizabeth, played basketball at George Mason and Hampton ... nickname is Mo ... plans to major in mass communication.
Coach Healy on Watts: "We are so excited to welcome Mariah Watts and her family to Wisconsin. Mariah also has great family roots in college athletics. Her dad Carl played football at North Carolina. Her family's commitment to academic and athletic excellence is inspiring. Mariah is an amazing athlete with endless potential as a pitcher. Her work ethic, and desire make her a special recruit for us. Competing for Team North Florida has helped her mature into a competitive gold pitcher this fall."
Why Wisconsin?
"I chose Wisconsin for the great academic and traditional atmosphere. You couldn't ask for a better school and program to be a part of when it comes down to the basics of what it means to be a student-athlete."
Off the Field with Mariah:
My favorite thing about Wisconsin Softball is: My favorite thing about Wisconsin Softball is the amazing support the program has. Coming from a state with multiple major universities, people always switch up which school they will root for throughout the year. Here, you don't have that, we can count on a loyal crowd to cheer us on.
Before each game, I: I dance my heart out.
A non-athletic talent I have is: Writing and photography
One thing I absolutely have to do before I turn 40: See the world
Favorite quote: Live in the now
Most memorable softball achievement or favorite softball moment: Earning the Coaches' Award
If I could change one softball rule, it would be: Your feet don't have to stay on the mound
Best UW memory: The 2014 Nebraska at Wisconsin football game. It was fun watching my first snow game and records break.
If you were stranded on an island, which two teammates would you bring with you and why? Well I hope KJ, Sam and Brianna won't be upset with me, I'd pick them to complete the fantastic four. But I'm stuck with two. Katie Christner, because she would find a way to turn this island into an island party and Sara Novak, she's really smart and has a skill with animals.
Greatest fear: Losing my family
What song would you put on the soundtrack to your life? Welcome to my House by Flo Rida
If you could be a member of any TV-sitcom family, which would it be? Bernie Mac Show
What is your favorite movie line or scene? The last scene of The Grey
What is your favorite book? Swoon by Nina Malkin
Favorite UW athlete? I'm going to have to go with my old roommate on this, Kelli Bates
Favorite athlete? Russell Wilson
Best UW road trip? Rutgers, I got to see my mom for the first time in a year and a half
Favorite team to play? UW Greenbay
What does it mean to be a Badger?
"To understand what it means to be a Badger, you have to look at the actually animal! Badgers can be named one of nature's most fearless animals, they prey on toxic creatures, eventually building a resistance to the venom! Those little guys are resilient, gritty and tough. You could say that is someone I want on my team!"
