Kealia Ohai Watt’s story is one of determination, talent, and resilience. Born in Draper, Utah, she rose from a young athlete in high school to a professional soccer player who made her mark in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL). Her career is remembered for speed, agility, and leadership on the field.
Beyond sports, Kealia became widely recognized as the wife of NFL star J.J. Watt. Together, they form one of the most admired sports couples in America. Today, she balances family life with her legacy as a role model for young athletes.
Kealia Ohai Husband, BIO, Net Worth, Parents, Career
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Kealia Mae Ohai Watt |
| Date of Birth | January 31, 1992 |
| Age (as of 2026) | 34 years |
| Birthplace | Draper, Utah, United States |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | Mixed (Hawaiian and Caucasian heritage) |
| Parents | Father: Ben Ohai (former BYU wrestler), Mother: Cindy Ohai |
| Siblings | Megan Cushing (soccer player, married to NFL’s Brian Cushing), Cambria Ohai, Aubrey Ohai |
| Education | Alta High School, University of North Carolina (UNC) |
| Profession | Former Professional Soccer Player |
| Known For | Winning goal in 2012 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup; Captain of Houston Dash; Marriage to NFL star J.J. Watt |
| Club Career | Houston Dash (2014–2019), Chicago Red Stars (2020–2021) |
| International Career | U.S. Women’s National Team (2016 debut) |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Husband | J.J. Watt (NFL legend, married February 2020) |
| Children | Two sons – Koa James Watt (born October 2022), Niko Benjamin Watt (born June 2025) |
| Height | 5 ft 5 in (165 cm) |
| Weight | Approx. 60 kg |
| Eye Condition | Legally blind in right eye |
| Net Worth (2026) | Around $1 million |
| Residence (2026) | Lives with family in the United States |
| Notable Achievements | NCAA Championship (2012), FIFA U-20 World Cup Winner (2012), NWSL Golden Boot (2016, tied) |
| @kealiamae/ | |
| Wikipedia | @Kealia_Watt |
| @KealiaOhaiOfficial/ |
Early Life and Childhood
As per the sources, Kealia Mae Ohai was born to her mom and dad on January 31, 1992, in Draper, Utah. Her father, Ben Ohai, named her after Kealia Beach in Hawaii, reflecting their Hawaiian roots. Her mother, Cindy Ohai, played a central role in supporting her athletic journey.
Growing up, Kealia showed a natural love for sports. She attended Alta High School, where she played varsity soccer for four years. Between 2006 and 2009, she led her team to four consecutive state championships, earning recognition as one of the best young players in the country.
Parents and Family Support
Kealia’s parents, Ben and Cindy Ohai, encouraged her to pursue soccer from a young age. Her father was an All-American wrestler at Brigham Young University, and her mother was equally supportive of her children’s athletic ambitions.
She grew up with three sisters: Megan, Cambria, and Aubrey. Megan Cushing, her elder sister, also played soccer and won the 2007 NCAA Championship with USC. This strong sporting background shaped Kealia’s competitive spirit and gave her the confidence to aim high.
Education and College Soccer Career
After high school, Kealia joined the University of North Carolina (UNC) in 2010. She quickly became a star player for the Tar Heels, scoring 14 goals in her freshman season and earning First-Team All-ACC honors.
Her biggest achievement came in 2012, when she helped UNC win the NCAA Championship. She was named the tournament’s Most Outstanding Offensive Player, scoring crucial goals in both the semi-final and final. This success cemented her reputation as one of the brightest talents in U.S. women’s soccer.
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Professional Soccer Career Highlights
Kealia was drafted by the Houston Dash in 2014 as the team’s first-ever college draft pick. She quickly became a leader, serving as captain and scoring consistently. In 2016, she tied for the NWSL Golden Boot with 11 goals in 10 games.
Her career also included international success. She represented the U.S. at multiple levels, including the U-20 Women’s World Cup in 2012, where she scored the winning goal against Germany in the final. This remains one of her most celebrated achievements.
In 2020, she joined the Chicago Red Stars, but by 2021 she stepped away from professional soccer. Her husband later confirmed her retirement in 2023.
Marriage to J.J. Watt
Kealia met NFL star J.J. Watt through her brother-in-law, Brian Cushing, who was Watt’s teammate. They began dating in 2016 and kept their relationship private at first. In May 2019, Watt proposed, and the couple married in the Bahamas in February 2020.
Together, they have two sons: Koa James Watt (born October 2022) and Niko Benjamin Watt (born June 2025). Their family life is often shared with fans, making them one of the most admired sports couples in America.
Physical Appearance and Athletic Build
Kealia stands at 5 feet 5 inches (165 cm). Throughout her career, she was known for her speed and stamina. Coaches often praised her ability to outrun defenders and create scoring chances. Her fitness routine and discipline helped her maintain peak performance during her years in the NWSL.
Even today, she continues to stay active. Her athletic build reflects years of training and dedication. For young athletes, she remains a symbol of how consistent effort and healthy habits can shape success both on and off the field.
Net Worth and Financial Standing
As of February 2026, Kealia Ohai Watt’s net worth is estimated at around $1 million. Most of her earnings came from her professional soccer contracts with Houston Dash and Chicago Red Stars. She also benefited from sponsorships and endorsements during her playing career.
While her husband J.J. Watt has a much larger fortune from his NFL career, Kealia’s independent success is noteworthy. Her financial standing reflects the growing opportunities for women in sports, even though the pay gap compared to men’s leagues remains significant.
Awards, Achievements, and Recognition
Kealia’s career is filled with memorable achievements. At the University of North Carolina, she won the 2012 NCAA Championship, scoring decisive goals in the semi-final and final. She was named the Most Outstanding Offensive Player of the tournament.
Internationally, her biggest highlight came in the 2012 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup, where she scored the winning goal against Germany in the final. This moment remains one of the proudest in her career. In the NWSL, she was recognized as one of the league’s top forwards, tying for the Golden Boot in 2016.
Interesting Facts About Kealia Ohai Watt
- Kealia is legally blind in her right eye, yet she became a professional soccer star.
- She was named after Kealia Beach in Hawaii, showing her family’s Hawaiian roots.
- Her sister, Megan Cushing, also played soccer and won a national title with USC.
- She is admired for her speed, often described as one of the fastest players in the NWSL.
- She has a strong presence on social media, where she shares family updates and motivational posts.
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