2019 Award Winner: Athlete of the Year – Tanguy Dailland – National Collegiate Water Ski Association

2019 NCWSA Athlete of the Year: Tanguy Dailland — *Photo by Emily, @simplycapturedmoments*

It’s not often you find someone at the top in all three events, holding his own in trick, jump, and slalom and leading his team to numerous podium finishes throughout his collegiate career. While Tanguy may seem quietly unassuming and non-threatening to some, once he steps onto the starting dock, he’s one of the most dominating forces in collegiate waterskiing.

During his senior season at Florida Southern College, Tanguy earned bronze in slalom, silver in trick, and gold in overall at the 2019 NCWSA Collegiate Nationals, and some of his best collegiate scores included 4 at 39.5′ off in slalom, 6460 points in trick, and 180 feet off the ramp. He also played a major role in leading the Moccasins to one of their best team finishes (3rd) in 2016. Incredibly, he did this all while maintaining a 3.5 GPA with a major in Exercise Science and a minor in Biology.

Though his collegiate stint is impressive, Tanguy has also excelled in the professional scene, earning a silver overall medal at the 2019 European Championship Open, and second in tricks and third in slalom at the 2019 Mediterranean Beach Games. These awards are just a few in his collection of elite trophies.

Diligent work and remarkable performances have undeniably earned him one of the most envied titles in water skiing — NCWSA’s Male Collegiate Athlete of the Year.

“What impresses me most about Tanguy is his stamina to work hard,” Thibaut Dailland, Tanguy’s older brother says. “He’ll spend as much time on the water as needed to accomplish his goal, yet can maintain a sense of calmness that keeps him level headed off the water, in practice and in the heat of competition.”

While Tanguy is certainly deserving of this award because of his excellence behind the boat, his selfless attitude, team spirit and drive to share his passion for the water with others is a true embodiment of what it means to be a collegiate athlete.

“Tanguy is not only a talented athlete but also so kind and encouraging of other skiers on the team,” Florida Southern College Assistant Water Ski Coach Jessie Dobbertin says. “Plus, he’s always smiling!”

As for next steps after graduation, Tanguy plans to pursue Physical Therapy school in the United States and keep pursuing his water ski career to the best of his ability. There’s no doubt the Dailland name will be a familiar one for many years to come.