Alana Dayle Jones is awarded the 2025 Kent Williams and Alton Ball Kingsman Scholarship

Alana Jones from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette has been awarded the $1,000 Kent Williams and Alton Ball Kingsman Scholarship.

"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." says Alana.

"This scholarship is such an honor to receive and I am beyond grateful. This award not only supports my collegiate goals, but also furthers my opportunities to participate in the sport I love."

After feeling called to ministry and completing three years with Student Leadership University, Alana has served in a variety of leadership roles across Louisiana. These include leading Bible studies for high school girls, counseling at youth camps, volunteering with disaster relief efforts and food banks, and working with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes to launch a university chapter.

She has also used her passion for water skiing as a unique way to serve and inspire others—hosting events, coaching, and introducing the sport to church, school, and community groups. At the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, Alana is an active member of the water ski team, where she supports her teammates, coaches, helps at the lake, and participates in interviews and outreach.

Following in the footsteps of her grandfather, who played a key role in founding the team, Alana hopes to make her own impact through hard work, leadership, and faith. Her greatest desire is to glorify God through both ministry and water skiing, sharing Christ’s love on and off the water.

The Kent Williams and Alton Ball Kingsmen Scholarship is awarded annually to a South Central Water Skier who has participated in the South Central Regionals and can be either an incoming Freshman or a current undergraduate in a four-year college or university.

Kent Williams and Alton Ball were accomplished skiers, barefooters, and show skiers. They made up the duo called the Kingsmen Professional Water Skiers in Arkansas in the 1960s.

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.