The Watson Family: Crafting their Story On and Off the Ball Field

Photo Credit: Karen Presecan Photography

Meet the Watsons– a spirited family of five who has chosen to establish roots in South Stafford, where sports, camaraderie, and community combine to craft their story. 

Kyle (34) and Brittany (36) Watson both grew up in nearby Prince William County, and a chance work encounter “about 12 years ago” quickly evolved into romance and the two “were instantly inseparable.” 

Brittany explained, “Kyle quickly introduced me to his love of the outdoors, starting with me catching my first– admittedly extremely small– fish and my first turkey-hunting experience.”

Solidified by their shared passions for sports, comedy, and country concerts, their relationship grew into what it is today. Surprisingly, too, their families had connections– “my mom and Kyle’s dad realized they went to rival high schools and had shared friends, but they never really knew each other.” Yet Kyle and Brittany’s paths never crossed until fate brought them together. It’s definitely a “small world,” and for Kyle and Brittany, their world revolves around their three boys: Brady (10), Baylor (5), and Bowen (3) all keep the couple on their toes. 

Kyle owns GrandSlam Plumbing, which he started in 2023, and where his twin brother, Bryce, works alongside him.  “Kyle worked extremely hard to gain experience and knowledge for over 10 years in the field before ultimately studying hard and achieving his master license,” said Brittany. Brittany graduated from Radford University with her bachelor’s degree in communications.

“I first spent time interning for the Potomac Nationals, now the Fredericksburg Nationals, and then spent ten years working for a non-profit that raised funds and advocated for the creation and expansion of new programs for public education,” explained Brittany, who decided in 2019 that it was time to pivot in her career; she’s worked for Booz Allen Hamilton ever since. 

When they aren’t working, you can find them on the baseball diamond– you didn’t think Kyle named his business after one of the coolest plays in baseball without loving the sport, did you? 

“All three of our boys are extremely active,” Brittany said. Their oldest, Brady (10), has been playing baseball since he was four years old, plays flag football, and was elected as class representative for Margaret Brent Elementary’s student council. 

“He is passionate about working with his classmates to help his community through donation drives and improving their school through fundraisers.”

Like his older brother, Baylor (5) plays baseball and flag football, and you “can always find him outside practicing to improve his skills!” The youngest of the bunch, Bowen (3), enjoys his sports classes as well, participating in Little Fielders (baseball) and Little Kickers (soccer), eager to “finally be old enough to join a league team.”

When they aren’t at the actual ball fields, they can be found enjoying the outdoors, riding their four-wheelers, hunting, and playing wiffle ball with dad. Their dogs, Jake and Lola, along with their school of fish, complete their family dynamic. Jake, a three-year-old German shorthaired pointer, however, runs the roost– “he’s always the center of attention”-- but Lola, the 11-year-old Shih Tzu, still enjoys the young dog’s antics. 

The family’s shared passion and love for sports certainly unites them, and it helps them give back to the community as well, as Kyle coaches in the Stafford Baseball League. 

“Kyle [also] dabbled in his first season as a flag football coach this year,” explained Brittany, but baseball rules. “We are a big baseball family! He enjoys sharing his passion for the game and helping kids improve in the sport.”

This notion of giving back and helping a neighbor in need isn’t new to the Watsons, but it is something that they love most about their neighborhood and the area in general. 

“We first moved to Stafford in 2015, purchasing our first home in the Widewater area,” explained Brittany. Later on, and like many, unknowingly at the time, they purchased property in South Stafford right before COVID hit. “It was a blessing and something to look forward to during a difficult time,” she said. The family chose to build with a local construction company, Hour Homes, and moved in by the end of March 2020. 

“While we may not have many neighbors, we have some of the kindest and most generous ones,” Brittany said. “Any time one of us is in need, we are all there to help. We look out for each other, our children, and our pets.” Looking out includes Kyle fixing plumbing issues and making suggestions, gathering together for holidays and special occasions, celebrating achievements, and helping neighbors when they’re in need.

“The definition of neighbor has taken on new meaning,” Brittany said, adding that was even more imperative to have good people nearby during the pandemic.

“We’re so lucky: living along the backroads, driving past cattle pastures and corn fields– away from the hustle and bustle– is exactly what we wanted while still having everything we need 20 minutes from us.”

They most enjoy their redefined neighborhood community and the “small-town feel” of the area: “There is a sense of community and friendliness, and we couldn’t have asked for better schools for our children,” adding that each boy has fantastic teachers and they’ve had “the best experience.”

When the Watsons want a little more than the tranquility of their home, they take to Emerald Isle or the Outer Banks. “We both grew up going to Emerald Isle with our families. We love to reminisce with our kids and take them to all of the special spots that our parents took us when we were kids. We also enjoy the Outer Banks. The beach is our happy place!” 

If they aren’t taking a special trip, hunting or fishing, they’re still quite content and happy going to sporting events around the DMV. The Fred Nats, Baltimore Orioles, and the Washington Capitals are their favorite local teams. Beyond their bustling lives, they relish any opportunity to frequent some of the “fantastic restaurants” in downtown Fredericksburg or going for a tall lager at Barley Naked Brewery. They prefer to support local businesses, too, such as Warrior Coffee, and their kids participate in numerous activities at the Field House in Fredericksburg. They enjoy taking advantage of the many parks in the area, too, but Willowmere is a favorite because of “the bike trail and playground.”

In this season of their lives, though, if they are not spending time with both of their families, who they are “blessed to have close” to them in Stafford and Spotsylvania Counties, you can find them “sitting on the sidelines or coaching on the ball field!”

For the Watsons, South Stafford means family, community, and the cherished bond of shared experiences in a vibrant, close-knit setting.