Watterson Recognized with CalHOPE Courage Award
9/30/2024 12:35:00 PM | Indoor Track, Track and Field
The award honors student-athletes at California colleges and universities who have overcome hardships
SACRAMENTO, Calif.— Two California college student-athletes, Justin Watterson, a track athlete for Long Beach State and Mya Wang, a junior lacrosse player for the University of California, Berkeley, have been selected as the September 2024 recipients of the CalHOPE Courage Award.
The award, presented monthly since February 2022, honors student-athletes at California colleges and universities who have overcome the stress, anxiety, and mental trauma associated with personal hardships and adversity. In addition to the recognition, a donation will be made on behalf of all honorees to support on-campus mental health services.
Here's a closer look at the inspiring personal stories of these student-athletes:
Justin Watterson, Long Beach State, Track
Justin Watterson's journey to becoming a record-breaking collegiate hurdler is one marked by resilience and determination, not just on the track, but in the face of life-altering adversity. A standout athlete, his trajectory seemed unstoppable until a hit-and-run accident in 2023 upended his world.
Justin vividly remembers the evening of the accident. He was on his electric skateboard, heading home from work, when a speeding car struck him while he was crossing the street. The impact was so severe that it left him disoriented, with no memory of the moments immediately following the crash. As he lay on the sidewalk, unable to move his foot and his arm in great pain, he was helped by a passerby who called 911. The severity of the accident became clearer when his roommates took him to the hospital, where he was diagnosed with a severe concussion and a contusion on the peroneal nerve in his leg, leaving his foot numb and immobile.
His recovery was long and arduous. The months dragged on, and despite his initial determination, he experienced doubt about his future. Would he ever run again? The uncertainty weighed heavily on his mind, turning what should have been his prime competitive years into a grueling battle just to regain basic mobility.
The unwavering support of Justin's teammates, coaches, and family kept him pushing forward. Every small victory, like the first slight movement of his foot, was celebrated as monumental progress. His comeback was slow but steady, and on April 1, 2023, he was finally cleared to begin light training. Though he redshirted the entire 2023 season, the time spent away from competition allowed him to gain a deeper appreciation for the sport and a renewed focus on his goals.
By 2024, he was back, stronger than ever. He broke his school's indoor record in the 60-meter hurdles (7.94 seconds), and he claimed the Big West title in the 110-meter hurdles (13.75 seconds), the third-fastest time in his school's history.
"Getting back on the track after the accident wasn't just about physical recovery—it was about proving to myself that no matter how hard life hits, I can hit back harder," said Justin. "Every hurdle I've overcome has made me stronger, both as an athlete and as a person."
Mya Wang, University of California, Berkeley, Lacrosse
Mya Wang's journey is a testament to resilience and the motivational power of sports in the face of overwhelming adversity. Diagnosed with thyroid cancer just two weeks after her graduation from University High School in Irvine, she faced an emotional and mental battle that proved as challenging as the physical toll of her illness.
The journey began when her grandmother noticed a lump in Mya's neck. Mya went to the doctor for tests, which revealed an abnormality in her thyroid, leading to the diagnosis. What followed was a tumultuous two-year odyssey that included two surgeries and a significant amount of soul-searching. Despite her initial resolve, the weight of her illness took a toll, both mentally and physically. She struggled with the reality of her condition, grappling with feelings of isolation and confusion.
During her freshman year at the University of California, Berkeley, Mya withdrew from the lacrosse team to focus on healing, both inside and out. During this time, she sought out connections with others who faced similar battles. She found solace in conversations with Mary Griffin, a fellow lacrosse player at Virginia Tech who previously battled pancreatic cancer. This network of support, combined with her own introspection, helped begin her emotional recovery.
Her love for lacrosse eventually pulled her back onto the field. Playing for Team Hong Kong at the 2022 World Championships reignited her drive to return to the University of California, Berkeley lacrosse team her sophomore year. However, just as she was regaining her stride, Wang was hit with the devastating news that some of the cancer remained. The second diagnosis was emotionally shattering, yet her response was one of determination. She underwent a second surgery with the singular goal of returning to the lacrosse field as soon as possible.
Her comeback was nothing short of remarkable. In her first game back in 2023 versus Lindenwood, she scored five goals. She ended the year with 20 goals and a team-leading 13 assists in 18 games. Last season, she was even better, scoring a team-leading 28 goals and 31 points in 15 games.
Her journey is not just about overcoming illness, but about finding strength in vulnerability, using her love for lacrosse as a beacon of hope, and becoming a source of inspiration for others. Her journey continues as she navigates life with a deepened sense of purpose and an unwavering commitment to both her sport and her community.
"Facing cancer was like walking through a storm I never saw coming. It wasn't just about surviving physically; it was about finding the strength to face the emotional chaos that followed. I had to learn that healing isn't just about scars fading—it's about accepting the pain, seeing my growth and new purpose, and using my story to help others feel less alone."
About the CalHOPE Courage Award
The monthly CalHOPE Courage Award is presented by the College Sports Communicators (formerly CoSIDA), in association with The Associated Press; CalHOPE, a Department of Health Care Services' (DHCS) crisis counseling and support resource; and the Governor's Council on Physical Fitness and Mental Well-Being.
"CalHOPE is honored to continue recognizing student-athletes statewide who have overcome challenges to perform their best as both scholars and athletes," said Autumn Boylan, Deputy Director of the Office of Strategic Partnerships at DHCS, which oversees CalHOPE. "CalHOPE's purpose is to build community resilience and help people recover from disasters and public health emergencies through free outreach, crisis counseling, and support services. We hope that by sharing these stories of courage, all will be inspired."
At the end of the school year, two of the student-athletes will be selected as the CalHOPE Courage Award winners. The previous winners were: 2024 – Cameron Nelsen (volleyball, Antelope Valley College) and Myron "MJ" Amey (basketball, San Jose State); 2023 - Anysa and Amaya Gray (soccer, U.C. Berkeley) and Nigel Wilson (basketball, Pasadena City College); and 2022 - Julia Schwayder (lacrosse, Occidental College) and Breyon Jackson (basketball, San Francisco State).
Stories about all CalHOPE Courage Award honorees since 2022 are available at CalHOPECourageAward.org and via social media (X & Instagram) at @CalHOPE_Courage.
Sports information directors at all colleges and universities in California are encouraged to nominate deserving intercollegiate student-athletes at CalHOPECourageAward.org. The honorees are selected by a panel of writers, editors, The Associated Press, and the College Sports Communicators.
ABOUT CalHOPE
CalHOPE is a multi-level campaign run by DHCS to connect people with vital mental health and wellness resources and information to help them navigate during times of crisis. CalHOPE offers critical behavioral health crisis counseling programs and uses a public health approach that is focused on strength-based strategies of building resiliency and connecting people to the support they need. CalHOPE partners with the California Governor's Council on Physical Fitness and Mental Well-Being to promote the CalHOPE Courage Award. CalHOPE resources may be accessed by calling the program's warm line at (833) 317-HOPE (4673), accessing the live chat feature, or visiting www.calhope.org.
College Sports Communicators: The College Sports Communicators is a 3,600-plus member national organization, comprised of the athletic communications, media relations, digital, and creative professionals throughout all levels of collegiate athletics in the United States and Canada. Founded in 1957, the organization is the second oldest management association in intercollegiate athletics. The organization's signature program is the Academic All-America program, honoring thousands of outstanding scholar-athletes annually. To learn more, visit collegesportscommunicators.com.
The Associated Press (AP): The AP is the essential global news network, delivering fast, unbiased news from every corner of the world to all media platforms and formats. Founded in 1846, The AP is the most trusted source of independent news and information. On any given day, more than half the world's population sees news from The AP. For more information, visit www.ap.org.
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The award, presented monthly since February 2022, honors student-athletes at California colleges and universities who have overcome the stress, anxiety, and mental trauma associated with personal hardships and adversity. In addition to the recognition, a donation will be made on behalf of all honorees to support on-campus mental health services.
Here's a closer look at the inspiring personal stories of these student-athletes:
Justin Watterson, Long Beach State, Track
Justin Watterson's journey to becoming a record-breaking collegiate hurdler is one marked by resilience and determination, not just on the track, but in the face of life-altering adversity. A standout athlete, his trajectory seemed unstoppable until a hit-and-run accident in 2023 upended his world.
Justin vividly remembers the evening of the accident. He was on his electric skateboard, heading home from work, when a speeding car struck him while he was crossing the street. The impact was so severe that it left him disoriented, with no memory of the moments immediately following the crash. As he lay on the sidewalk, unable to move his foot and his arm in great pain, he was helped by a passerby who called 911. The severity of the accident became clearer when his roommates took him to the hospital, where he was diagnosed with a severe concussion and a contusion on the peroneal nerve in his leg, leaving his foot numb and immobile.
His recovery was long and arduous. The months dragged on, and despite his initial determination, he experienced doubt about his future. Would he ever run again? The uncertainty weighed heavily on his mind, turning what should have been his prime competitive years into a grueling battle just to regain basic mobility.
The unwavering support of Justin's teammates, coaches, and family kept him pushing forward. Every small victory, like the first slight movement of his foot, was celebrated as monumental progress. His comeback was slow but steady, and on April 1, 2023, he was finally cleared to begin light training. Though he redshirted the entire 2023 season, the time spent away from competition allowed him to gain a deeper appreciation for the sport and a renewed focus on his goals.
By 2024, he was back, stronger than ever. He broke his school's indoor record in the 60-meter hurdles (7.94 seconds), and he claimed the Big West title in the 110-meter hurdles (13.75 seconds), the third-fastest time in his school's history.
"Getting back on the track after the accident wasn't just about physical recovery—it was about proving to myself that no matter how hard life hits, I can hit back harder," said Justin. "Every hurdle I've overcome has made me stronger, both as an athlete and as a person."
Mya Wang, University of California, Berkeley, Lacrosse
Mya Wang's journey is a testament to resilience and the motivational power of sports in the face of overwhelming adversity. Diagnosed with thyroid cancer just two weeks after her graduation from University High School in Irvine, she faced an emotional and mental battle that proved as challenging as the physical toll of her illness.
The journey began when her grandmother noticed a lump in Mya's neck. Mya went to the doctor for tests, which revealed an abnormality in her thyroid, leading to the diagnosis. What followed was a tumultuous two-year odyssey that included two surgeries and a significant amount of soul-searching. Despite her initial resolve, the weight of her illness took a toll, both mentally and physically. She struggled with the reality of her condition, grappling with feelings of isolation and confusion.
During her freshman year at the University of California, Berkeley, Mya withdrew from the lacrosse team to focus on healing, both inside and out. During this time, she sought out connections with others who faced similar battles. She found solace in conversations with Mary Griffin, a fellow lacrosse player at Virginia Tech who previously battled pancreatic cancer. This network of support, combined with her own introspection, helped begin her emotional recovery.
Her love for lacrosse eventually pulled her back onto the field. Playing for Team Hong Kong at the 2022 World Championships reignited her drive to return to the University of California, Berkeley lacrosse team her sophomore year. However, just as she was regaining her stride, Wang was hit with the devastating news that some of the cancer remained. The second diagnosis was emotionally shattering, yet her response was one of determination. She underwent a second surgery with the singular goal of returning to the lacrosse field as soon as possible.
Her comeback was nothing short of remarkable. In her first game back in 2023 versus Lindenwood, she scored five goals. She ended the year with 20 goals and a team-leading 13 assists in 18 games. Last season, she was even better, scoring a team-leading 28 goals and 31 points in 15 games.
Her journey is not just about overcoming illness, but about finding strength in vulnerability, using her love for lacrosse as a beacon of hope, and becoming a source of inspiration for others. Her journey continues as she navigates life with a deepened sense of purpose and an unwavering commitment to both her sport and her community.
"Facing cancer was like walking through a storm I never saw coming. It wasn't just about surviving physically; it was about finding the strength to face the emotional chaos that followed. I had to learn that healing isn't just about scars fading—it's about accepting the pain, seeing my growth and new purpose, and using my story to help others feel less alone."
About the CalHOPE Courage Award
The monthly CalHOPE Courage Award is presented by the College Sports Communicators (formerly CoSIDA), in association with The Associated Press; CalHOPE, a Department of Health Care Services' (DHCS) crisis counseling and support resource; and the Governor's Council on Physical Fitness and Mental Well-Being.
"CalHOPE is honored to continue recognizing student-athletes statewide who have overcome challenges to perform their best as both scholars and athletes," said Autumn Boylan, Deputy Director of the Office of Strategic Partnerships at DHCS, which oversees CalHOPE. "CalHOPE's purpose is to build community resilience and help people recover from disasters and public health emergencies through free outreach, crisis counseling, and support services. We hope that by sharing these stories of courage, all will be inspired."
At the end of the school year, two of the student-athletes will be selected as the CalHOPE Courage Award winners. The previous winners were: 2024 – Cameron Nelsen (volleyball, Antelope Valley College) and Myron "MJ" Amey (basketball, San Jose State); 2023 - Anysa and Amaya Gray (soccer, U.C. Berkeley) and Nigel Wilson (basketball, Pasadena City College); and 2022 - Julia Schwayder (lacrosse, Occidental College) and Breyon Jackson (basketball, San Francisco State).
Stories about all CalHOPE Courage Award honorees since 2022 are available at CalHOPECourageAward.org and via social media (X & Instagram) at @CalHOPE_Courage.
Sports information directors at all colleges and universities in California are encouraged to nominate deserving intercollegiate student-athletes at CalHOPECourageAward.org. The honorees are selected by a panel of writers, editors, The Associated Press, and the College Sports Communicators.
ABOUT CalHOPE
CalHOPE is a multi-level campaign run by DHCS to connect people with vital mental health and wellness resources and information to help them navigate during times of crisis. CalHOPE offers critical behavioral health crisis counseling programs and uses a public health approach that is focused on strength-based strategies of building resiliency and connecting people to the support they need. CalHOPE partners with the California Governor's Council on Physical Fitness and Mental Well-Being to promote the CalHOPE Courage Award. CalHOPE resources may be accessed by calling the program's warm line at (833) 317-HOPE (4673), accessing the live chat feature, or visiting www.calhope.org.
College Sports Communicators: The College Sports Communicators is a 3,600-plus member national organization, comprised of the athletic communications, media relations, digital, and creative professionals throughout all levels of collegiate athletics in the United States and Canada. Founded in 1957, the organization is the second oldest management association in intercollegiate athletics. The organization's signature program is the Academic All-America program, honoring thousands of outstanding scholar-athletes annually. To learn more, visit collegesportscommunicators.com.
The Associated Press (AP): The AP is the essential global news network, delivering fast, unbiased news from every corner of the world to all media platforms and formats. Founded in 1846, The AP is the most trusted source of independent news and information. On any given day, more than half the world's population sees news from The AP. For more information, visit www.ap.org.
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