2019 NCWSA Team of the Year: University of Louisiana at Lafayette

2019 Award Winner: Team of the Year – University of Louisiana at Lafayette

Molly Voska Awards, Committees, Feature, News, Regions, South Central Region

You will hear the rage of the Cajuns,

So let’s give a yell,

Hustle up and bustle up and

Fight on to victory – Geaux UL

University of Louisiana at Lafayette Fight Song

No one can deny the Cajuns had an incredible year. Undefeated in the fall season, the University of Louisiana at Lafayette (UL Lafayette) Water Ski Team entered the season planning to take the championship. Not just wishful thinking, the team was coordinated to win. 

In the 2018 season, the UL Lafayette team was 60pts away from the national title. Thirsty for gold, the fire was sparked. Receiving a new boat in January from new donors, the Syndicate Waterskis 2019 NCWSA Nationals training began.

Winning Strategy

  • Train for consistency
  • Coach to weaknesses
  • Support each other regardless of the outcome
  • Ski for the team before yourself
  • Maximize tricks to the tournament competition

They had a plan. Lead by team Captain Harry Spavin (2019’s NCWSA Leader of the Year), along with Taryn Grant as coach and Ryan Gonzales as Team Advisor, they came together as one unit with one common goal. United in their efforts, each individual was strengthened by the team. Team members all took turns coaching and driving to maximize time on the water, where they focused on nailing every single trick, buoy, or foot (meter) every single time they ran their pass. Everyone was a leader in their own personal advantage, bringing confidence and training to their teammates.

With strategic runs to increase point differentials, every member knew their task to bring home the championship. The spring season proved they had the talent. Performing strongly through the summer, team members kept their heads down through the fall as they each fought weekly for a place on the A-team. After a record-setting fall tournament at Bennetts Ski School, the chase for numbers began.

Keeping It Spicy

The atmosphere at the lake helped the team thrive. With few freshmen on the team, the Cajuns were experienced and knew the personalities on the team. With 19 students from 9 different countries, there could have easily been conflict. But the leaders ensured everyone was supported, calling weekly team meetings, hosting semi-weekly team dinners, and holding team training sessions off the water.

The team became a family. They almost all live together in 3 houses – so they are always nearby studying, attending a football game, or making a Crawfish Boil. Living this close, there was no room for disagreements. On the trick lake, and in Lafayette, the Cajuns are a stand-up team. Besides their competitions, the team volunteered with community organizations and give-back programs. On summer break, the team was still frequently joined as they competed for their countries at international tournaments. 

“Their commitment to community involvement and service is incredible. They spent a weekend teaching local kids how to ski, they raised money and collected canned goods for veterans, they participated in UL Lafayette’s Sneaux Day by pulling kids around on the grass to get a feel for skiing, and so much more. Their service to the community has given the team local recognition that despite being 7X National Champions, they have not had previously.”

Camille Tyler, Ragin’ Cajun Alumna

This bond was critical for success. Like a winning army, each skier hit the water with adrenaline pumping with a desire to do their best – so that they’d played their part to the team. With each condition they faced, the skiers did what needed to be done. Ragin’ spirit radiated across the two lakes at nationals. With no guarantees, and the Cajuns were pitted against tough competition from the strongest Alabama team we’ve seen, along with the statesmen of Monroe, the anticipation followed the team to the 5th round of the final event. Reaching their goals and more at each event, the spicy reds closed in on the prize.  

7x NCWSA National Champions

The team couldn’t have achieved what they did without Tides Medical, Mastercraft Boats, the Bennett Family, Danyelle & Steve Critchley, and the Austin family. All were generous with their time and efforts to advance the UL Lafayette water ski team, offering encouragement, skiing, and sponsorship.

UL Lafayette at Syndicate Waterskis 2019 Collegiate Nationals

Latest posts by Molly Voska (see all)

Molly Voska

NCWSA Marketing Chairwoman since spring 2017 | 2022 TL Cornfest Corn Queen | Alumna & former social director of Western Michigan Waterski | #TeamMidwest