Support for Coach Watts Fund

King 5 Evening News - Donald’s Stroke Recovery

Over the years, many kids and families in the community have looked to Donald Watts not just as a coach and mentor but as a friend. Right now, he is at a difficult time in his life, where he’s facing huge challenges. Since moving to Seattle my son and I have grown close with him and his family. As his friend, I am asking the community to come together to help Donald get back on his feet.

This past year and a half, Donald has faced enormous strain personally, financially, and professionally. In April of 2021, his father, Slick Watts, suffered a major stroke. While I don't know all of the details of the situation, what I have witnessed is Donald having to make huge sacrifices trying to juggle care for his father, work and family. I’ve seen how the inconsistency in help with care has forced him to have to often leave work unexpectedly, miss planned trips with his basketball teams, and even miss out on his own kids’ recruiting trips and opportunities.

Almost two years ago, my 17-year-old son and I moved to West Seattle. My son’s dream is to play basketball at a high collegiate level. Every person we spoke with told us we needed to connect with Donald Watts. I took their advice, and I am so thankful I did.

Being a single mom of a teenage boy, I am beyond relieved to know Donald is in my son’s life, guiding and motivating him like he’s done for so many others, not just training him in basketball but teaching him about resilience, hard work, and dedication. My son looked to him as someone he could truly rely on in a new city where he knew nobody. Donald coached him through obstacles he faced with compassion and experience, which is one reason his role in my son’s life is unmatched. There is nobody like Donald in our community that can and has been helping kids like my son chase their dreams. The work he does is an extension of his father’s and his family’s.

I’ve seen first-hand the care and commitment he’s shown his father in helping him recover. I’ve also seen the devastating impact it’s had on him, his family, and his business. At one point, due to the financial impact of the situation, Donald was close to losing the gym that so many kids like my son rely on. For my son and many others, this gym, where they spend hours with Donald, is keeping them off the streets and working towards their dreams.

Beyond what Donald has done for my son, there is a deep respect for the impact he and his father have had on thousands of kids in the community over the years. They both have dedicated much of their lives to helping people. Now Donald needs our help in order to ensure he can continue to be there for his father and the community. I’m calling on our community to help to make sure he and his family don’t suffer any more loss than they already have and help him get back on his feet.