Reina Itai is Awarded the 2025 John Worden Scholarship

Reina Itai from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign has been awarded the $2,000

John Worden Scholarship.

"I am deeply honored and grateful to the John Worden Memorial Foundation and the scholarship selection committee for their generosity and support. I hope to tackle challenges on and off the water in the same way John did: in a calm demeanor and "can-do" attitude. As John used to say, 'We Got This!' "  says Reina.

"This scholarship will not only ease financial burdens, but also motivate me to continue pursuing my academic and professional goals while continuing my passion for waterski. Thank you to the John Worden Memorial Foundation and scholarship selection committee for your generosity and support!"

As a 5’1” East Asian woman, I don’t fit the typical image of a competitive waterskier - and that’s exactly why I’m passionate about changing the sport’s narrative.

Growing up, my family and I often stood out on the lake. We were met with curious stares, as if it was unusual to see Asians out boating. So, when I joined the University of Illinois waterski team, I braced myself for similar reactions. At my first collegiate tournament, I expected to be remembered as “the Asian girl.” But that’s not what happened.

Over time, I became known not for my ethnicity, but for something uniquely mine—I was “the girl with the camera.” As team secretary, I focused on strengthening our social media presence. I photographed tournaments, captured candid moments, and kept our Instagram and Facebook pages active—even in the off-season. The positive feedback rolled in quickly, and it helped me feel truly part of the Midwest waterskiing community.

I didn’t stop with just my own team. I made a point to photograph skiers from other schools, editing and sharing hundreds of images to foster a sense of connection across the region. That work led to an unexpected honor: I was nominated and elected by other team captains as the Midwest representative on the NCWSA Marketing Committee at the 2024 Winter Conference.

Beyond the Midwest, I’ve also looked for ways to contribute to the global waterski community. While training at Bennett’s Waterski School in Louisiana, I learned they host collegiate teams from Japan each year. As a bilingual Japanese American, I offered to help as an interpreter for future visits, helping bridge the language gap and cultural differences so more students can thrive in this sport.

Waterskiing has brought me acceptance, purpose, and a platform to make a difference. My hope is to inspire more minorities to step into this world, whether it’s through skiing, support roles, or behind the lens like I did. I’ve found belonging here—and I want others to know there’s space for them too.

Established by request of The John Worden Memorial Foundation, the scholarship is given to the qualifying candidate who is an AWSA and/or NCWSA undergraduate student attending college and that is pursuing a degree in Science, Technology, Engineering and/or Mathematics (STEM) and demonstrates outstanding leadership qualities and the ability to take an innovative approach to solving problems.

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.