MVHS Track Star Signs To Compete At UNR

By NICK YAMASHITA

The Progress

Moapa Valley High School has advanced another college athlete from its ranks. Hannah Watson, a 2021 MVHS graduate, signed a letter of commitment to University of Nevada-Reno last week. She will be part of the UNR track team.

The official media conference of her signing took place on Thursday, August 5 at the campus of MVHS. In attendance for the signing was MVHS Athletic Director Dallas Larsen, MVHS Cross Country and Track Coach Heather Humes and MVHS Track Coach Brandon Jones. Also in attendance was her MVHS Flag Football Coach David Belcher.

“I am excited,” said Watson of her new opportunity. “I am ready for something new.”

Watson has been conversing and keeping contact with the assistant coach for UNR Track. She said that she didn’t really think that anything was going to come of it. But then she got a call and was asked if she would like to join the UNR Track with a scholarship offer. She took it.

“I am looking at competing in the pole vault, but I am very interested in the heptathlon,” said Watson.
Hannah Watson was a big-time, all-around athlete for MVHS. Having competed in Flag Football and Track and Field in high school, she displayed some natural and well-adapted skill and talent.

In MVHS Track and Field last season, Watson competed in pole vault, 100 m Hurdles, 300 m Hurdles, Shotput, Long Jump, Triple Jump, 4x200m Relay.

But her best performing event was in pole vault. She scored a personal best of 11’0” in pole vault in 2019.
Watson was born in Las Vegas and lived there for a short time before moving to Moapa Valley. She enjoys playing her guitar, music, judo, boxing, and working out.

“It has been so fun getting to coach Hannah!” said Coach Heather Humes. “She’s always happy and brings an incredible energy with her to practices and competitions. On top of that she’s an amazing competitor and it’s going to be fun watching her continue to progress in a sport she loves and is so good at.”

Coach Brandon Jones called Hannah one of the hardest workers he has had the privilege of coaching. “She always wants to be the best at everything she does,” Jones said. “She has been a good example to all the track athletes on how to work hard. I’m excited to watch her keep getting better and progressing.”

When asked about why she selected UNR, Hannah replied, “The track team is good and they have athletes that are in the top in the nation. It is also a pretty campus and it is close to Tahoe.”

Watson thanked all of her coaches. “I really couldn’t be here without my coaches,” she said.

Hannah made a point of also mentioning the contributions of Cross Country Coach Gary Watkins who was not able to be at the signing last week. “He was one of my biggest supporters and I wish he could’ve been here today,” she said.. He was definitely a big inspiration as well.”

Hannah starts training at UNR in two weeks. The Track and Field Season starts at the beginning of 2022.