MacKenzie Mainer is Awarded the 2026 Lucille Avila Ortiz Scholarship

MacKenzie Mainer from Texas A & M University has been awarded the $2,500

Lucille Avila Ortiz Scholarship.

“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

I was raised three-event water skiing with my family at Bell Acqua in California, and my love for the sport has only grown since beginning college. Life on the water has truly shaped me into who I am today, blessing me with countless memories and relationships to last a lifetime. 

The purpose of the Lucille Avila Ortiz Scholarship is to provide an annual scholarship to a US Citizen that preferably competes in National Water Ski Racing Association (NWSRA) events first or if there are not any applicants from the NWSRA, then the applicants must demonstrate strong athletic abilities, strong academic standings and be involved in good community service projects in the Western region of USA-WSWS.

The recipient will be or is currently a student who is registered in a college or University and presents an application to the USA-WWF Scholarship committee for review and selection for each year.

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.