Emma Davis is Awarded the 2025 Steve and Ann Lohr Scholarship

Emma Davis from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University has been awarded the $2,680

Steve and Ann Lohr Scholarship.

“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. On the competition side, I have been fortunate to learn from some the best in the world, my waterski heroes! They include my mom Susie Davis who taught me how to ski and coaches me often, my main coach Rhoni Bischoff who has helped me level up my game and compete at an international level, and Kevin Jack and Marc Bedsole who have been amazing mentors and coaches. Through both victories and setbacks, I have found unwavering support in my waterskiing family. Because of everything this sport has given me, receiving the Steve & Ann Lohr Water Ski Scholarship is especially meaningful. I am incredibly thankful, and I look forward to continuing to give back to the sport and the people who have given me so much.” says Emma.

“Waterskiing has given me many opportunities to share my Christian faith with others and live out the Christian life for all to see. Through disappointing competitions, tough training days, and even glorious victories, my faith has enabled me to stay dedicated, humble, and joyful. With this scholarship, I plan to pursue an education at Hillsdale College to study and seek “the Good, the True, and the Beautiful,” continually growing in my faith and serving others. I also plan to continue training, competing, coaching, and judging waterskiing, striving to both improve and bring the joy of waterskiing to others.”

In April 2024, just weeks before my final Junior Masters, I broke my ankle in three places while tricking—damaging ligaments and peroneal tendons. My season ended instantly. Instead of competing at the tournaments I had qualified for, I was suddenly sidelined, focused on rehab and recovery.

But I wasn’t ready to step away from waterskiing.

If I couldn’t ski, I’d find another way to stay involved.

That summer, I shifted gears and started working toward becoming a certified judge. I attended judging clinics, studied hard, and earned my Regular Judge certification in slalom, trick, and jump. I quickly put my new skills to use by directing the Sparta Trick Championships and judging at the Virginia State Championships. It gave me a whole new appreciation for the sport—this time from behind the scenes.

Soon after, I was honored to serve as an Appointed Official at the Eastern Regional Championships. I judged all three events, mentored an assistant trick judge, monitored gates and Sure Path in slalom, and helped measure jumps using the computer system. It was a rewarding experience working with experienced officials and helping keep the event fair and running smoothly.

In addition to judging, I also helped coach at the Eastern Region Junior Development Clinic. Working with younger skiers, helping them learn new tricks and gain confidence, reminded me of why I love this sport—not just for the competition, but for the community it builds.

What started as a devastating injury became an opportunity to give back. I found new purpose in waterskiing—coaching, judging, and supporting the next generation. I’ve already been invited to judge more events in 2025, and I’m excited to continue making a difference.

Waterskiing is still my passion, but now I know my role goes far beyond just competing. I’m proud to help grow the sport I love in new and meaningful ways.

Funded by the EverBless Foundation, the Steve and Ann Lohr Scholarship is intended to support the educational pursuits of exceptional students involved in the sport of water skiing and/or with the USA Water Ski and Wake Sports Foundation. Applicants must demonstrate a commitment to the sport of 3-event water skiing, with a successful competitive record but need not be an overall skier. Involvement in skiing in Virginia or the Eastern Region will be given priority.

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.