PIC: USC Trojans celebrate Shohei Ohtani and Dodgers' World Series win with superstar snap featuring JuJu Watkins

JuJu Watkins was at the center of the USC Trojans' celebrations of Shohei Ohtani and the LA Dodgers' incredible World Series victory. The Dodgers clinched the title in a thrilling 7-6 Game 5 win over the New York Yankees.

The Trojans posted a picture featuring their own superstar, JuJu Watkins, with Ohtani, each donning a Dodgers jersey. The post on USC's official X account was captioned:

"WORLD SERIES CHAMPS! Congrats, @Dodgers!"

Ohtani secured his first-ever World Series title in his debut season with the Dodgers under his record-breaking $700 million contract. Watkins, a rising star herself, represented that USC pride, standing alongside Ohtani, celebrating the Dodgers’ eighth title.

USC Trojans are like family to JuJu Watkins

Watkins can’t wait for her sophomore season to start. After leading USC to the Elite Eight last season—its first in 30 years—Watkins is back with high hopes for her Trojans. She's already made it clear that her team feels like family.

Her commitment to the team goes beyond the court. She revealed that team-building activities and retreats have strengthened their bond. Appearing on a “Boardoom” episode on Tuesday, she said:

“My friend group is my team. It feels, you know, like family. It feels, you know, like family and the relationship between me and my coaches is just so important…” [01:54]

She credited coach Lindsay Gottlieb for making USC feel like home.

“She's one of the main reasons that I even went to USC… Having that feeling that I can go to her about anything and just trusting her. That's really everything I was looking for in a coach; that trust, that bond, just grateful for her.”

Watkins has spent the offseason sharpening her skills. She has focused on becoming a smarter and more efficient player. Working alongside her trainer, Phil Handy, she’s seen noticeable growth in her game IQ and court vision.

“I think the biggest thing for me is definitely efficiency,” Watkins shared in an interview with Andy Katz.

Watkins has also been building chemistry with the new Trojans on the roster, including grad transfers Kiki Iriafen and Talia von Oelhoffen.