USA WWF

“I’m incredibly grateful to receive the Barbara Bolding/Jim Grew Scholarship. The waterski community has provided me with opportunities to grow as a student, athlete, and leader, and I’m thankful for everyone who has supported me along the way. This recognition motivates me to continue working hard in engineering while giving back to the sport and community that has given me so much.” - Lauren.

“When I got the call saying I was selected for the 2026 Hickey Family Scholarship from the USA Water Ski & Wake Sports Foundation I cried. Like many others, for me getting through college is financially stressful. To be selected for this scholarship has already alleviated so much financial pressure and I am very grateful to the Hickey Family for their generosity.” - Daniel

“I am truly humbled to receive this scholarship and honored to help carry forward the legacy George Blair left for the sport.” - Nora

"Winning this scholarship is an incredible honor. As a competitive water skier, I have learned the value of dedication, perseverance, and hard work, and I am grateful that USA-WWF recognizes and supports student-athletes like me.” - Parker

"It is a tremendous honor to receive the 2026 John Van Gieson Scholarship, and I am sincerely grateful for the generosity and support of the Van Gieson family. This scholarship is another example of the incredible support this sport provides, and I feel fortunate to be part of such a welcoming and encouraging waterski family. The lake is where I feel most at home, and I am excited to continue sharing my passion for waterskiing with others in our community.”  - Madison.

“I feel beyond grateful for this opportunity and for the generosity of the Avila family to help me further my education. This fall, I will begin my third year studying architecture at Texas A&M University, competing on the Aggie Waterski Team, and serving as the South Central Region's Athlete Advisory Council and voting member on the NCWSA board.”  - MacKenzie

“Three-event waterskiing is one of the biggest parts of my life, and it has helped shape me into the person I am today. Through waterskiing, I have had the opportunity to travel the world, visiting places including Paraguay, Chile, and Peru, and experiencing different cultures. The sport has also given me opportunities to serve others by working as an official at competitions such as Eastern Regionals, serving as tournament director for the Sparta Trick Championships, and coaching younger skiers as they learn new tricks, run more buoys, and jump farther. I have been incredibly blessed to be coached by some of the best in the sport, including my mom Susie Davis, Marc Bedsole, and my main coach, Rhoni Bischoff. Also, through the sport of waterskiing, I have made some of my closest friendships and been given countless opportunities that I will always be grateful for. Because of all this sport has given me, I am deeply grateful to receive the Steve & Ann Lohr Water Ski Scholarship and look forward to continuing to give back to the sport and the people who have poured so much into me.” - Emma.

"What started with a single tournament, highlighted by hotdogs and cake, has changed the entire course of my life.  Waterskiing - and the constant tinkering with bindings, fins, and course anchor systems - is a large part of why I have decided to study mechanical engineering, and now the waterskiing community is helping me do so.  I am honored to be privileged to pursue my degree in Mr. Worden’s name and this scholarship will be a great help in paying for my education."  - R.J.

"I am deeply humbled to be receiving this scholarship and will continue to spread awareness about our sport throughout campus. This scholarship will help me with my future goals of applying to medical school in Florida and becoming one of the best men's slalom skiers in the world".  - Jaeden.

I feel honored to have been selected as a recipient of this scholarship. Water skiing has been a huge part of my life ever since my dad taught me how to ski at the age of three, and even today, we still enjoy skiing together. After receiving this scholarship, the show director of my water ski team, Walker Judd, shared with me that he and Tim had been lifelong best friends. Learning about that personal connection, along with hearing more about Tim and the impact he had on those around him, made me feel even more grateful and blessed to receive this scholarship. It is truly an honor to be recognized in his memory. - Rachel

I am incredibly grateful to have been awarded the Big Al Wagner Scholarship. I had never waterskied before college, so I am very thankful to have discovered the sport at UCLA. Joining the team has been one of the highlights of my college career and has introduced me to an amazing community. I cannot thank the USA-WWF enough for their generosity and encouragement to try my best both in and out of the water. This scholarship allows me to feel supported in both my academic career and the sport I found in college and have grown to love.
- Jordan

"I'm incredibly thankful for this scholarship and for all the support I've had from the show ski community throughout my life. I'm excited for what the future holds both professionally and for all the time I'll still be spending on the water." - Evan

"Winning the Jennifer Odum/Dave Kammerer Scholarship means a lot to me, both as a competitor and as a student. Barefoot water skiing has shaped who I am, and it's incredibly meaningful to be recognized by an organization that has played such an important role in my life." - Carter

"I’m incredibly grateful to receive this scholarship. Water skiing has taught me discipline, perseverance, and how to balance athletics with academics, and I’m honored to be recognized by the USA-WWF." - Damian

“Receiving the C.W. “Bill” and Teddy Wenner Scholarship is an amazing blessing because it will help me achieve my educational ambitions of becoming a nurse! I feel very grateful and honored to have been selected!” - Hailey

"Unbelievably stoked to receive the Dave Goode Scholarship from the USA Water Ski and Wake Sports Foundation. The waterskiing community has given me so much over the years and I'm proud to be part of it." - Jacob

"I am incredibly honored to be a second year recipient of The Kent Williams and Alton Ball Kingsman Scholarship. I want to thank Richard Williams for sponsoring this scholarship that helps skiers like me pursue my goals both on and off the water." - Alana

Grace Lohr has been awarded the $1000 Stan & Donna Switzer - Florida Water Ski Federation Scholarship.

“Being selected for the Barbara Bolding/Jim Grew Scholarship truly means the world to me. It feels like a recognition of all the time, heart, and energy I’ve poured into this sport and the amazing community around it. Water skiing has shaped so much of who I am—from the friendships and leadership roles to the confidence I’ve gained along the way. It motivates me to keep striving for excellence in the classroom as I pursue my engineering degree with the same passion I bring to the water.” - Lauren

“I feel overjoyed about being the student selected to receive the Ed Hickey Scholarship from USA Waterski & Wake Sports Foundation. I have worked hard putting in hours of work into supporting my collegiate team while also supporting my fellow peers as a student senator. To me, this scholarship meant that my efforts were recognized, and I cannot wait to spend my time skiing and leading more now that I have the financial ability to not work part-time.” - Adam

"I am so grateful for the generous support the waterski community has provided me through the Bill Wenner scholarship, Stan and Donna Switzer Scholarship, and Linda Giddens Girls 5 Scholarship. Receiving this scholarship means so much to me and will help me continue to pursue my passion for waterskiing while furthering my education at the University of Louisiana Lafayette. Your generosity not only eases the financial burden of college but also motivates me to keep striving to push me to my very best both on the water and as I pursue a degree in kinesiology. I am truly honored to be a recipient and I promise to represent this scholarship with dedication, hard work, and good sportsmanship.” - Camryn

“Waterskiing is more than a sport to me; it is part of who I am. While I work hard to train and compete at the highest levels, it is the friendships, the opportunities, and the meaningful moments behind the scenes that have shaped me the most. Waterskiing has introduced me to incredible people, given me the chance to travel and compete around the world, and taught me the value of hard work, humility, and dedication. Helping with junior development clinics, coaching skiers of all levels, and judging in tournaments has taught me that being generous with my time and helping grow the sport brings even more meaning to waterskiing." - Emma

"It is such an honor to be able to receive the 2025 John Van Gieson Scholarship, and I am forever grateful for the generosity of the Van Gieson Family. There is nothing I love more than being on the water, and I cannot wait to spread this joy to others in this community. This is yet another example of the many ways this sport continues to support me, and I am so lucky to be able to be in it." - Madison

“Receiving this scholarship means so much to me—not only because it helps with college expenses, but because it recognizes the hard work and passion I’ve put into water skiing.” - Sophia

“Receiving this scholarship reminds me that hard work and passion never go unnoticed. It inspires me to keep pushing boundaries in both the classroom and on the water.” - Sierra

"I am deeply honored to receive this scholarship in memory of George Blair—it motivates me to continue striving for excellence in everything I do." - Emma

"I have learned valuable life lessons, on and off the water, from the Southern Region water ski community and I am honored to be selected for the Elmer Stailing Scholarship.  This scholarship will help me pursue my goal of becoming a Marine Corps Officer through the University of Notre Dame NROTC program." - Reece

"I am deeply honored and grateful to the John Worden Memorial Foundation and the scholarship selection committee for their generosity and support. I hope to tackle challenges on and off the water in the same way John did: in a calm demeanor and "can-do" attitude. As John used to say, 'We Got This!' " - Reina

"I’m truly grateful and humbled to receive this scholarship. Being recognized by my barefooting community is a meaningful milestone in both my academic journey and personal growth. This award not only supports my education but also inspires me to continue striving for excellence."   - Carter

"I am so excited to win the Big Al Wagner/Western Region Scholarship! I learned to waterski through the San Diego State team and was introduced to an amazing community of people that have helped me to learn and grow as a person and skier. This scholarship will help me pursue my career in physical therapy. I am incredibly grateful to be recognized as a leader on and off the water!"  - Isabella

"I am incredibly thankful for this scholarship and support from the show ski community throughout my life. This scholarship has encouraged me to continue to believe in myself and to know that others believe in my potential." - Lauryn

"Receiving this scholarship means so much to me as a student committed to continuing my education while pursuing my passion for skiing at the collegiate level. I feel incredibly proud and deeply grateful for this opportunity." - Taylor

"This scholarship inspires me to push my limits both on and off the water in my education and skiing. Through this, I hope to be able to give back to the community of the sport I love." - Alana.

"I am thankful to be the Florida waterski federation recipient. It’s truly an honor." - Kennedy

"Thank you for awarding me as the recipient of the Dave Goode Scholarship of $1,000 this year! I am deeply grateful to not only Dave as the donor, but the Foundation as a whole. What an amazing, support-filled sport that we get to partake in and connect with so many others as well". - Claire

“I am honored to have earned the 2025 C.W. “Bill” and Teddy Wenner Scholarship. I am thrilled to further pursue my academic endeavors and uphold a standard of excellence within the water ski community!” - Laura

“This Scholarship reminds me of how grateful I am to be skiing, a gift I don't take for granted." - Zachary "Lucky"

The Scholarship recipient will be announced at the State Championships, and the funds will be held in escrow with the USA Water Ski & Wake Sports Foundation for use by the recipient, within four years of graduating high school, at an accredited two or four-year college or university. - Kamryn

“To me, waterskiing is the best sport in the world because of the uplifting community and shared interest in expanding the sport. Anyone involved in towed watersports knows the thrill of being behind the boat regardless of their skill level. This scholarship means the world to me because it means that the sport I've poured my heart into is rewarding me by facilitating my education," - Dustin.

"This scholarship will significantly aid me in achieving my academic and career goals while continuing my passion for waterski. It will enable me to focus more on my studies and participate in additional educational opportunities that will enrich my college experience," - Reina.

"I am honored to be able to accept this award as a part of the Florida Waterski Federation. I am proud to represent Florida and collegiate water skiing and continue to do the sport that I love. This award will make that happen; therefore, I am honored to be able to accept this award and cannot wait for the rest of the waterski season," - Kennedy.

"I am incredibly grateful to the foundation for their generosity in awarding me this scholarship and for their continued support of collegiate water skiers. This award not only recognizes our commitment to our teams and community but also greatly aids me in pursuing my career in dentistry. It inspires me to strive for academic excellence and make a positive impact both on and off the water," - Kiara.

"I am very honored and fortunate to have been awarded this scholarship. Being acknowledged within my barefooting community is a notable achievement in my academic and personal development. This scholarship aids my education and acts as a motivating force for me," - Carter.

"Winning this scholarship has filled me with so much joy and excitement. It's an incredible feeling to know that my hard work and dedication to water skiing have been recognized and rewarded. This scholarship means the world to me and will undoubtedly enhance my education in ways I could have only dreamed of. It will provide me with the necessary support to pursue my academic goals and further develop my skills in the field of water skiing," - Avery.

Lauyrn DeWitt is from Winneconne, Wisconsin. She will be a Sophomore at the University of Wisconsin—Stevens Point and majors in Music Education. “I am very grateful to the USA Water Ski and Wake Sports Foundation for believing in me and my future.  It is an honor to be the recipient of the Tim Olson Memorial Scholarship. It has increased my confidence to continue to pursue my academic and water skiing goals and dreams," - Lauryn.

"I am absolutely thrilled to have been awarded the John Worden Scholarship this year. I am deeply grateful to the Worden family for their generosity. Throughout this year, I've worked hard both on the lake and in the classroom, so being recognized in this way is incredibly rewarding," - Lauren.

"I am extremely honored and grateful to be chosen as this year's Elmer Stailing Southern Region Scholarship recipient and I will never take for granted how blessed I am to have such a supportive waterski community!" - Nora.

"This scholarship is an incredible opportunity for me as it will assist in taking my education to the next level. This scholarship will aid in my ambitions to attend veterinary school and further my goals of working with the University on research projects," - Emily.

"I am beyond excited to receive the USA-WWF scholarship that honors John Van Gieson, who spent his life getting on the water as much as he could. I would not be who I am today without the support of other waterskiers, and am looking forward to making more people smile on and off the water," - Keelie.

“As a Christian, the sport of Waterskiing has allowed me to further pursue the values of the faith. I have participated in various philanthropy events and taught others how to ski by being generous with my time, it also has instilled values such as hard work, challenging myself, and that failing is simply just part of learning. With this scholarship, I am excited to continue this journey while also pursuing my education," - Evan.

“I feel overwhelmed by the honor of receiving the 2024 Ed Hickey Scholarship. I will not forget how waterskiing and this organization helped me both on and off the water. Hopefully, I will be able to continue giving back to this sport that has helped me in so many different ways," - Wes.

“This scholarship will help me with my future aspirations of attending Law School and becoming a lawyer. I cannot wait to continue to grow academically as well as improve my water skiing for the rest of my life,” - Mary

"Waterskiing has been a significant part of my life and thanks to this scholarship it is clear that it has and will continue to make a positive impact on every aspect of my life," - Mitchel

"I wouldn’t be where I am today without the support, encouragement, and guidance of my Southern Region Water Ski Family through my junior skiing years, and I will always be grateful!" - William

"I am so grateful for the 2023 Florida Water Ski Federation Scholarship. It will greatly help me towards my water skiing dreams and aspirations!" - Emma

"I am so honored to be selected for this scholarship, and beyond thankful for everything the waterski community has done for me!" - Brooke

"I am very grateful and honored to receive this scholarship from USA Water Ski and Wake Sports Foundation. This scholarship will help me pay for my education while I also focus on barefoot waterskiing. Thank you USA Water Ski and Wake Sports Foundation for providing many scholarships to help college students that are involved in water sports." - Megan

“I am completely honored and overwhelmed with gratitude and appreciation for the generosity shown by the Bolding family, as well as Jim Grew and the scholarship selection committee. This scholarship will help support my future both on and off the water." - Kendra

“I was super excited to get the call being told that I was chosen for the John Van Gieson Scholarship! I’ve worked really hard on and off the water this year to receive a scholarship like this, it feels good knowing that my hard work had been recognized," - Sean

"I am honored and grateful for the "Banana" George Blair Ambassador  Scholarship granted to me by the USA Waterski and Wake Sports Foundation.  I have grown up in the sport as a three-event competitor and appreciate the continued support from the Foundation." - Charlsey

"I am excited to receive this award; it is very pleasing to see how USA-WWF supports collegiate skiers like myself. I am very grateful to the Worden family for their amazing generosity." - Zach

"I am deeply grateful for the invaluable support extended to student-athletes through these scholarships. This scholarship empowers me to strike a harmonious balance; pursuing my nursing career while still being able to fulfill my passions on the water." - Gabrielle

“I feel very privileged to be chosen as this year’s Kyle P. Tate scholarship recipient. The waterski community has woven so tightly into my life in college, so receiving such a gracious award for my commitment to this community is an incredibly motivating gesture that I will never take for granted." - Joaquin

"This scholarship will help my education by alleviating some of the stress of balancing my work, life, school, and ski balance. I am starting my final year attending Texas State University and this scholarship will help relieve some stress as classes get harder while I also plan my career after college." - Matthew

"I am honored to receive this scholarship which honors George Blair and the amazing work he did as an ambassador for the sport of waterskiing. I hope to follow my waterski journey in a manner similar to how George did: in a relentless and passionate pursuit while promoting the multi-generational sport." - Markus

"I am beyond excited to be granted the Tim Olson Scholarship. It is an honor to represent this foundation while being able to focus on my education and further promote the sport I love." - Keelie

"I am so grateful for the 2022 Florida Water Ski Federation Scholarship. It will greatly help me towards my water skiing dreams and aspirations!" - Emma

"This scholarship means a lot to me because it shows that there are people within our incredible sport who really care about young skiers' futures. Thank you to the Morgan family and others for their generous donations and I look forward to paying-it-forward to young skiers in the future." - Blaze

"I’m thankful for this opportunity granted to me by the USA Waterski & Wake Sports Foundation. The two most important things in my life are my education and waterskiing. Throughout my college career it has been an honor promoting and spreading the joy of the amazing waterski community." - Lexi

"I feel very grateful and honored to receive this amazing scholarship from USA Water Ski and Wake Sports Foundation. This scholarship  will greatly enhance my education because it will help pay for my education, so I can focus more on classes during the school year and barefoot waterskiing during the summer." - Megan

"It’s an honor and a privilege to have the opportunity to receive this scholarship. I am grateful for the financial assistance that will help me focus more on my education, my skiing, and time with my team." Sierra

Kendra Nathan of Canyon Lake, California has been chosen as the recipient of the $2500 Richard Avila Scholarship. Kendra will be a Freshman at the University of Louisiana - Lafayette majoring in Education.

"I am incredibly honored to receive such an award from a Foundation that represents innovation in a sport which has been a massive part of my life and my family for so long." - Ryan

"I am so thankful to receive the Tim Olson Memorial Scholarship, she says. Tim Olson had an amazing legacy especially in water skiing and show skiing. He was so generous and always had a passion for improving and growing the sport. Tim Olson was an amazing instructor and show skier. I am so honored to continue on his legacy." - Matayla

Paige Peshina has been named the second recipient of this year's $1500 Tim Olson Memorial Scholarship. Paige is from Malvern, Ohio, and is a sophomore at Rollins College majoring in social entrepreneurship.

"This serves as another reminder of the benefits of water skiing and investing time into the water skiing community. I hope to use my time and talents to give back to the waterskiing community as a thank you for this scholarship." - Nicholas