Sophia Rivera is Awarded the 2025 Lucille Avila Ortiz Scholarship

Sophia Rivera from Lansing Community College has been awarded the $2,500

Lucille Avila Ortiz Scholarship.

“Receiving this scholarship means so much to me—not only because it helps with college expenses, but because it recognizes the hard work and passion I’ve put into water skiing.” says Sophia.

“This award motivates me to keep growing, on and off the water. I’m excited to continue representing the sport I love and to inspire others along the way.”

Thank you very much once again to the Avila family, and everyone else who helped me on my journey for this opportunity and for supporting the future of water skiing. I will continue to be a member of USA Water Ski and Wake Sports Foundation and giving back to the community that’s given me so much.

When I moved back to Michigan, I was shocked that none of my friends had heard of waterski racing. Despite being surrounded by lakes, the most they knew was tubing or wakeboarding—racing on a single ski at 70+ mph? Completely foreign.

Back in California, waterski racing was a huge part of my life. So when someone casually asked about the sports I used to do, I shared my story—and their reaction was priceless: “Wait, you race while skiing?” That bonfire chat turned into a full-on introduction to the sport I love.

I pulled out my laptop the next weekend and played race footage. They were hooked—watching racers fly across rough water, balancing on one ski, communicating with their driver and observer while dodging waves. I explained the teamwork, training, safety gear, and sheer endurance it takes just to compete.

Their curiosity grew, and before long, a few of them wanted to try it. We rented a boat and gear, and I taught them the basics. There were plenty of wipeouts, but even more laughter—and real adrenaline.

Now, I’ve got a small waterski crew here in Michigan. They’re not racing yet, but they understand the thrill, the community, and why I love it so much. And maybe, just maybe, I’ve planted the seeds for something bigger—new fans, future racers, and a growing passion for the sport in a place it’s barely known.

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.