Congratulations to the 2025 winners of the NCWSA Annual Awards

Each year, the NCWSA community nominates and votes on the prestigious titles of Team of the Year, Outstanding Leaders of the Year, and Athletes of the Year. Additionally starting this year we get to honor a Volunteer of the Year! Through these organization-wide awards, we honor those that have put their best efforts towards supporting the sport, on the water and behind the scenes.

We celebrate their successes at the USA Water Ski and Wake Sports banquet in January. Please join us in celebrating this year’s winners!

Team of the Year: Michigan State University

East Lansing, Michigan

The Michigan State University Waterski Team embodies dedication, sportsmanship, and a strong sense of community. This season, the team continued to excel competitively, with a roster of 40 skiers, including international students, and advanced performances in both regional and national tournaments. MSU made it to Nationals for the second consecutive year, led by standout three-event athletes and supported by a strong jump, slalom, and trick team. Personal bests were achieved across the board, including multiple significant jumps by the men’s jump team and first time jumpers in the women’s competition. Beyond performance, MSU stands out for its team culture and spirit. They actively mentor newcomers, engage alumni, and foster an inclusive environment that encourages both growth and enjoyment of the sport. Their members go above and beyond in supporting one another on and off the water, consistently helping run tournaments, volunteering as boat judges, and assisting with setup and clean-up. Through athletic excellence, leadership, and community engagement, Michigan State exemplifies what it means to be a collegiate water ski team.

Volunteer of the Year: Ty Vaio

As Chairman of the Western Region, Ty Vaio has shown exceptional leadership, dedication, and vision in advancing collegiate water skiing. He has worked tirelessly to bring Nationals to the West Coast, taking on countless responsibilities to ensure the success of both this year’s and next year’s events. Ty is never afraid to take on the hard, unglamorous jobs—always leading by example and doing whatever it takes to make things run smoothly. Beyond his regional leadership, Ty has been instrumental in helping collegiate skiers stay involved in the sport after graduation. He plays a key role in organizing clinics that allow participants to earn their officials’ ratings and continue contributing to the water ski community. His commitment to mentorship, development, and long-term growth has had a lasting impact on collegiate skiing and beyond.

Female Outstanding Leader of the Year: Sage Pottbecker

University of Louisiana at Lafayette

Senior Sage Pottbecker of the University of Louisiana at Lafayette is an exceptional leader whose energy, dedication, and enthusiasm make her a driving force for her team and the region. Known for her signature “pepper” costume at Nationals, Sage brings excitement and positivity to every event while still fulfilling her own responsibilities as a skier and team captain. Sage consistently goes above and beyond—volunteering on the starting dock, supporting every skier, and ensuring events run smoothly. Her leadership extends beyond the lake: she serves on multiple boards, is heavily involved in regional activities, and fosters an environment where teammates feel welcome, motivated, and supported. Balancing her rigorous senior nursing studies with team and volunteer commitments, Sage leads by example with kindness, dedication, and tireless energy.

Male Outstanding Leader of the Year: Will Fiedler

Michigan State University

Will Fiedler has been a cornerstone of the MSU Waterski program throughout his four years, serving as Site Manager on the executive board for his entire college career. His dedication, leadership, and work ethic are evident to everyone he encounters—so much so that many assume he is the team president based on the impact he makes. Will leads with integrity and respect, holding teammates accountable while maintaining strong, positive relationships. He makes everyone feel welcomed and supported, always willing to lend a hand or take on tasks others avoid. His knowledge and skill with engines, tools, and team equipment are unmatched, and he dedicates countless unseen hours to keeping the team running smoothly. Will embodies the essence of leadership—selfless, hardworking, and inspiring. Recognizing him with this award would celebrate not only his extraordinary contributions but also the remarkable example he sets for everyone in the collegiate waterski community.

Female Athlete of the Year: Kennedy Hansen

University of Louisiana at Lafayette

Kennedy Hansen had an extraordinary 2025 collegiate season, establishing herself as one of the most dominant and well-rounded athletes in the sport. At Nationals, she achieved a clean sweep—winning gold in slalom, trick, jump, and overall—and contributed 1,800 points to the University of Louisiana at Lafayette’s team title, which totaled 13,230 points. She consistently demonstrated elite skill across all three events, with performances including 1.5 @ 38 off in slalom, over 4940 points in trick, and a 145-foot jump.

Male Athlete of the Year: Charlie Ross

Rollins College

Charlie Ross of Rollins has had an exceptional 2025 season, combining record-breaking performances with outstanding leadership. He made history in slalom by running 41 off at a SAC tournament, breaking a 20-year-old collegiate regional record previously held by Will Asher—a milestone that demonstrates his extraordinary skill, focus, and dedication. In addition to slalom, Charlie competes in trick, contributing key points for his team and showing commitment across multiple events. Off the water, Charlie leads by example—cheering on teammates, raising standards, and fostering a positive, approachable, and encouraging environment.

Honored at the USA Water Ski and Wake Sports Banquet

We appreciate everyone that was nominated, as well as those that voted. Your involvement is what truly strengthens and advances this sport from the ground up.

We look forward to honoring the winners and connecting with supporters at the USA Water Ski & Wake Sports Banquet in Lakeland, Florida, on January 31, 2026.

Award recipients will be contacted by the awards committee and regional leadership with details about ticket arrangements.