The Watsons’ Journey
The Golden Eagles swim team produces two state-champion swimmers.
Senior Cameron Watson (Photo Provided / EagleTalon)
Siblings Brinkley and Cameron Watson have broken many records and won medals galore for their accomplishments in competitive swimming.
Cameron is competing in his senior year of high school for the Paxon swim team.
Cameron has held records in 200 freestyle, 100 backstroke, and he won a state title this year in the 100 butterfly at the 2A High School Swimming and Diving State Championships.
He did not swim for the school during his freshman year due to an injury.
“I had broken my left foot and had to have two surgeries over the course of nine months during my freshman year to fix it,” Cameron said.
Cameron came back sophomore year, proving to everyone that his injury did not delay his abilities by becoming a district and regional champion in October of 2021.
“One of my favorite memories of being on the team was sophomore year at states,” Cameron said.
Cameron is currently still deciding what to do after high school.
“I am still undecided, but I have been in contact with coaches from both division one and division two schools,” Cameron said.
Brinkley Watson (center) poses for a photo on senior night. (Photo Provided / EagleTalon)
His older sister, Brinkley Watson holds records in the 100 freestyle, 200 freestyle, 100 fly, 100 breaststroke, and 200 IM. Brinkley is currently in her freshman year of college.
“I announced my commitment to a division two school in North Carolina; Catawba college in January of 2021,” Brinkley said.
Brinkley saw it as the best college fit for her.
“I am super happy with my decision,” Brinkley said. “The environment is exactly what I need to thrive, and is helping me become better as a student and an athlete.”
Drew, Cameron, and Brinkley Watson (Photo Provided / EagleTalon)
Following his older siblings, Drew Watson is in his sophomore year. This is his second year swimming for Paxon. He competed in regional and state competitions along with his brother and sister in 2022 and swam this year with Cameron by his side.
The Watsons were all homeschooled and swam for a team year-round called ‘North Florida Swim’ while also competing for Paxon during high school swim seasons.
Cameron Watson (right) poses with his FHSAA medal. (Photo Provided / EagleTalon)
“Athleticism definitely runs through this family, and everyone is so excited to see how far they go in the future,” Coach Jason Dennis said. “Especially wishing the best of luck to Brinkley in college, Cameron in deciding his college future, and Drew in the rest of his high school years, everyone is rooting for these siblings.”