When The Gleaner first profiled Orane “Kirky” Watson in 2019, he was a primary-school boy from Clarendon on the cusp of a life-changing move to Barcelona. Football was still a dream then, defined by innocence and possibility.Seven years later, the former York Town Primary student has evolved into a solid young athlete whose journey has taken him through Glenmuir High School, national representation, and now a full scholarship to the United States after officially signing with the University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG) to study business administration.That opportunity came as he was completing his sixth-form studies.Looking back on that pivotal moment, he reflects with quiet clarity on just how far he has come.“Signing with UNCG was a special experience and one of the proudest moments of my journey so far,” he said. “It allowed me to step outside of football and express myself in a different way.”But beneath the milestones lies a journey defined by sacrifice and resilience, marked by early mornings, demanding training sessions, and repeated choices of discipline over comfort.“People often see the success, but they don’t always see the sacrifices behind it,” he explained. “I’ve had to give up a lot of personal time, miss family events, and make choices that prioritised football. Those sacrifices weren’t always easy, but I understood that achieving my goals would require commitment,” Watson told The Gleaner.Like many athletes, doubt was never absent. Yet it was always met with persistence.“There were definitely moments of doubt. During those times, I relied on my faith, my family, my coaches, and my belief in my abilities. Those difficult moments taught me resilience,” Watson said.Representing Jamaica at various youth levels remains one of his defining honours, an experience he describes with immense pride and purpose. Watson has represented the country at the under-15, under-17, and under-20 levels.“Every time I wear the national colours, I feel a deep sense of pride because I’m not only representing myself but my family, my community, and my country.”BRIGHT TALENTWatson has also established himself as one of schoolboy football’s brightest talents. He captained Glenmuir High School and finished as the leading goalscorer in the 2024 ISSA/Wata DaCosta Cup.Behind his rise stands a network of unwavering support.“My support system has been one of the biggest reasons I’ve reached this stage,” he noted. “My family, coaches, teammates, mentors ... everyone played a role. Sir Palmer (coach) especially has been like a father figure, always motivating me and pushing me forward.”As his profile grew from youth football in Clarendon to captaining Glenmuir High, so, too, did expectations. Yet he has learned to navigate pressure with maturity.“With recognition comes responsibility. I see pressure as a privilege. I stay grounded by remembering where I came from,” he said.His journey, however, is not only about personal achievement but also about inspiring others.“I hope young players learn that dreams are achievable with hard work, discipline, and belief,” he said. “Your background does not have to define your future.”On the field, he is relentless. Off it, he remains grounded and reflective.“I’m competitive and determined on the field,” he explained. “But off it, I’m family-oriented. Football doesn’t define all of who I am.”For his mother, Lorraine Hamilton, the journey has been equally transformative – marked by faith, uncertainty, sacrifice, and, ultimately, triumph.“I did not know his journey would reach this point. I just wanted to place him in the right hands,” Hamilton told The Gleaner.She recalled the turning point after his return from Spain in 2019 when Glenmuir High School opened its doors following the intervention of coaches and administrators.“I cried and said, ‘Thank you for allowing me to make the right decision for Orane,’ “ she said.Her sacrifices were constant, including long journeys, emotional investment, and an unwavering commitment to supporting her son.“It wasn’t easy, but I never missed his games. I had to be there. He always played for me.”Now, as he prepares for life in the United States, the young athlete says he wants his legacy to inspire generations to come.“In five years, I hope we are talking about competing at the highest levels and continuing to represent Jamaica, but more than anything, I want my legacy to be an inspiration,” Watson said.olivia.brown@gleanerjm.com