Carter Boerman is Awarded the 2025 Jennifer Odom/David Kammerer Barefoot Scholarship

Carter Boerman from The University of Alabama has been awarded the $1,500 Jennifer Odom/David Kammerer Barefoot Scholarship.

"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."   says Carter.

"From the moment I first tried barefoot waterskiing, I was hooked. The speed, the challenge of learning new tricks, and the amazing community instantly pulled me in. Now, at just 18 years old, I’ve had the chance to compete in world championships—and also to give back to the sport by becoming a judge and scorer.

Being a young judge gives me a unique perspective. Since I’m still actively competing, I understand how tough the tricks really are and what makes a performance stand out. That helps me make fair, accurate calls during competitions. It also ensures that judging keeps pace with how fast the sport is evolving.

Young judges like me are important for the future of barefooting. We help bring fresh ideas, understand the latest techniques, and keep the scoring system current. And when other young skiers see someone their age in the judge’s seat, it shows them that they can get involved too—not just as athletes, but as leaders.

Judging has deepened my love for the sport. I’ve met incredible people, learned how competitions work behind the scenes, and discovered a new way to stay connected to barefooting for the long haul.

At the end of the day, the sport needs passionate people of all ages to step up. I’m proud to be one of the young judges helping shape the future of barefoot waterskiing—and I hope more young athletes will join me".

The Jennifer Odom/David Kammerer Memorial Scholarship was established in 2008. Special provisions require that the scholarship be given to a barefoot skier. In the event a barefooter does not apply, the Jennifer Odom/David Kammerer Memorial Scholarship shall be carried forward to the next calendar year.

Jennifer Odom was a junior girl national competitor who was abducted near her home in Pasco County, Florida in February of 1993.  She was later found murdered.

David Kammerer of Excelsior, Minnesota was a former Mens 2 National Overall Champion and “old school” barefooter. He died in a plane crash in July of 2007.

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.