When Arundel guard Talen Watson started looking at colleges, she looked well beyond just basketball. Planning to major in sports management and business with thoughts of becoming an ESPN anchor, Watson looked for the perfect blend of basketball and academics.

The 5-foot-7 All-Anne Arundel County guard found it at Massachusetts and has made an oral commitment to play for the Minutewomen of the Atlantic 10 Conference. Watson chose UMass over Seton Hall, Quinnipiac and Long Island.

“I just had a great time up there,” said Watson, of her official visit. “They showed me around campus and it was a blast. I had a lot of fun. What put it over the top was my major, sports management, is at that school and it’s No. 1 in the country. Whatever my major is, that’s what I needed to suit me, because I’m going to stay there for four years. I can’t play basketball forever.”

Watson had a breakout season last winter averaging 7.1 points and 3.9 assists as a point guard for the No. 7 Wildcats, who reached the state Class 4A semifinals.

During the summer, Watson played for Team Unique and she said she is looking forward to the high school season now that she has made her college decision.

“It feels great. The pressures is gone. I’m happy for me and my family. It’s right for everyone. I’m in a good situation,” Watson said.