Lake Oconee Academy’s Ian Watson didn’t believe the news when he was named Region Player of the Year.
The senior shortstop recently learned of the announcement before the Titans’ historic playoff run ended.
“I’m very honored. I never thought I would’ve won it in a million years,” Watson said. “I also never thought we would’ve made it that far in the postseason. I couldn’t have done this without my teammates or coaches.”
LOA’s season recently ended in the Class A Division II semifinal to eventual state runner-up Charlton County. The Titans won a program record 26 games en route to their first semifinal appearance in school history.
Watson was a big part of that notable postseason run, too. The 5-foot-10, 165-pound slugger batted .412 at the plate with three home runs and 33 RBIs. He also totaled 33 hits and 27 runs scored during his senior year.
Watson was also a solid infielder for LOA the past three years at first base before recently moving positions to shortstop before the start of his senior season. He felt the move made him a better all-around player.
“At the start of the season, we didn’t have anyone else to put over there, so I guess the coaches thought I was the best option,” Watson said. “I think it worked out pretty well. The transition, though, was tough at first. I played some of it last year when Harrison Tolleson pitched, and I did decent. But it wasn’t something I was used to. Now that I’ve played it for it a year, I could potentially make a career out of it in college.”
Lake Oconee Academy head coach Mark Miller shared positive words about his Region Player of the Year, and his transition from first base to shortstop.
“Ian was our first baseman my first year and was one of the best in the region. We needed a new shortstop this year, and he was by far the best choice,” Miller said. “He wasn’t sure of whether or not he could do the job and we had a lot of talks in the offseason. The season spoke for itself. He was named Region Player of the Year. That’s why I love to coach. We took a kid who didn’t believe to believing in himself and getting it done. Super proud of him.”
Watson has a few offers from smaller schools but plans to walk on at the University of North Georgia in Dahlonega. The senior wants to challenge himself and compete for a spot on the Nighthawks’ roster next spring.
Watson has always envisioned himself playing at the collegiate level and is about to live out his dream.
“Just being able to play college baseball and continue my career would be great,” Watson said. “It’s something that I love and don’t want to give up on just yet. Ever since I was three, I’ve had the same dream.”
Watson plans to major in either business or sports management and could see himself as a coach one day. He’s putting his faith in God, hoping his future career involves being around the game he grew up playing and loving.
Watson said he will do whatever it takes to stay around the game of baseball.
“If I can further my athletic career, there’s a high possibility that could end up being a coach at any level,” Watson said. “I’ve loved this game since I was three years old, and it’s given so much to me. I want to give back.”