Kayle Watson

Kayle Watson has always felt a strong need to protect others and serve his community. As a high school student on summer break, Kayle eagerly served as a lifeguard at local swim clubs, which included overseeing pool operations and teaching swim lessons. His training as a first responder in CPR and AED operations has provided skills enabling him to remain calm and assist in emergencies. Kayle welcomed the added responsibility of lifeguarding and never took his obligation for granted.

Kayle has always realized the benefits of a healthy lifestyle and prioritized physical activity throughout his life. He spent six years playing basketball, before switching to rowing, a demanding sport that requires strength, teamwork, mental toughness, and physical fitness. The foundation from lifeguarding made the transition to rowing a natural choice. In addition to testing his physical and mental limits and keeping him in peak physical condition, rowing has taught Kayle the importance of working as a cohesive unit, giving everybody equal value. The Maritime Rowing Club in Norwalk, CT, is where Kayle spends most of his time when he’s not in school. At practice, Kayle works alongside professional instructors who dedicate themselves to recreational and experienced rowers of all ages. As a member of the club’s high school program, Kayle is part of a nationally-acclaimed program that has produced world-class rowers. He competes in competitive Fall and Spring regattas throughout the US and trains in indoor tanks in the winter. Former members have gone on to medal at the world championship level and even place on the US Olympic Team. Displaying confidence and the capacity to stay focused, time management, taking responsibility, and professionalism, are all skills that Kayle has developed from lifeguarding, basketball and rowing that will serve him throughout his life as a leader and collaborator.

Kayle Watson is also heavily involved with numerous charities in his limited spare time outside of his academic and sport commitments. One that is very close to his heart is Spike’s K9 Fund. This non-profit organization was founded by a former K9 handler and special warfare operator whose life was saved numerous times by brave canines who worked alongside him. The group takes in resources and donations that assist in the training and care of service dogs, providing equipment like bulletproof vests, and paying for medical care. Kayle has raised funds, attended events and promoted Spike’s in support of this very important mission. He’s also recognized the impact that even minor contributions to charitable organizations can yield, furthering his efforts to actively participate in charitable endeavors.

Post high school, Kayle hopes to attend a college with a strong engineering program and a competitive rowing program. He is excited to join and contribute to a college community, while continuing his work with various charitable organizations. Whether it’s a military based institution such as the US Naval Academy, or one of the many competitive colleges on the East Coast, Kayle is focused on finding the ideal fit to pursue his academic and extracurricular goals.

For more information about Kayle, visit his other website, kaylewatson.net.