Adam Long is Awarded the 2025 Ed Hickey Scholarship

Adam Long from Texas State University has been awarded the $5,000

Ed Hickey Scholarship.

“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.” says Adam.

“The Ed Hickey Scholarship I received will assist my educational pursuit of a Computer Science degree by giving me more resources and time to explore my field. Computer Science is a broad field and my current goal in education is to learn about which specific niche I can see myself in. I truly love the field I am in and this scholarship gives me the breathing room I need to take a deep dive into learning more!”

One of the most meaningful parts of my collegiate waterskiing journey has been volunteering with Texas Regional Para Sport's AllCanSki events. What started as a fun day out quickly became a powerful experience that reshaped how I see the sport.

AllCanSki’s mission is to make waterskiing accessible for people with physical disabilities. I joined early on, shortly after discovering the sport myself. Coming from a background in wrestling and motorsports, waterskiing gave me a new way to stay competitive and express myself athletically. But through AllCanSki, it became something more—it became a way to share that joy with others.

One moment that sticks with me was skiing alongside an army veteran. After his adaptive session, he stayed to watch me slalom and was genuinely excited to learn more about my journey. Sitting in the water afterward, we talked about skiing, life, and what it means to challenge yourself. That moment reminded me that waterskiing is about connection and empowerment—not just performance.

As captain of the Texas State Waterski Team, I encouraged my teammates to volunteer too. It helped break down barriers and fostered a sense of community. We weren’t just a team anymore—we became a family, where everyone supported each other, on and off the water.

Volunteering with AllCanSki taught me that no matter your background or ability, the water welcomes everyone. Whether you’re carving in a slalom course or using a sit ski, the thrill is the same. This experience continues to shape our team culture and reminds us that inclusion and passion are what truly drive our sport forward.

Established in 2022, the Ed HIckey scholarship is to be awarded to the outstanding male applicant who attends a four-year accredited college or trade school and skis primarily in AWSA, NCWSA, or USA-AWSWS tournaments. The applicant must demonstrate excellence in academics, athletics, leadership, and volunteerism.

The USA Water Ski & Wake Sports Foundation is very proud of our young athletes and honored to support their future academic needs. You can help support our mission by joining or donating to the foundation.

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Established in 1968, the USA Water Ski & Wake Sports Foundation celebrates the history of all towed water sports and promotes these sports through our Scholarship and Collegiate Grant Programs and the USA Water Ski & Wake Sports Hall of Fame.