If you competed in collegiate water skiing anytime between the 1970s and early 2000s, chances are you knew a Walker. Whether it was through Ed Walker’s leadership as an accomplished skier, AWSA Senior Judge, founder and coach of the Georgia College & State University Water Ski Team, or his six-year tenure as NCWSA president, or through Carole Walker’s decades of service as a senior judge, senior scorer, and mentor, the Walker name became synonymous with collegiate water skiing. Their commitment to the sport extended beyond just competitions, helping shape the NCWSA into the thriving community generations of student-athletes have come to know.
In 1996, Ed Walker was inducted as an Honorary National Director. Carol Walker, Ed’s wife, later followed Ed’s induction, being inducted in 1999. Their Honorary National Director titles eventually followed with a Hall of Fame for both of them in the class of 2020. The Hall of Fame sealed the Walker legacy in NCWSA history. But their HND titles are what truly represent their continued support, influence, and leadership within the collegiate water ski community.
Unfortunately, Ed Walker did not get to witness the true impact he has had on the water ski community. He passed away suddenly in 1996 at age 58, the same year of his Honorary National Director induction and the first World University Trophy tournament at Lake Walmead, the site Ed built for collegiate tournaments. Ed is survived by his family and legacy within the ski community. Carol Walker has also served as a senior judge and senior scorer. Their three sons, Ed Jr., Thad, and Steve Walker also continue to live up to the Walker name. All hold ratings as judges, scorers, and drivers, and all competed as 3-event skiers.
The Walkers demonstrated that the strength of collegiate athletics depends on the people willing to serve behind the scenes and their influence has reached every corner of the organization. The Walker family will forever go down as one of the top water skiing families.
Their story is a reminder that the true measure of greatness in collegiate water skiing isn’t always found on the podium. Sometimes, it’s the countless lives someone touches along the way that truly makes them great.
For Ed and Carole Walker, that legacy continues to ripple throughout the NCWSA, ensuring that future generations of collegiate skiers have the same opportunities, friendships, and experiences that have defined the organization for decades.
Written by Amery Thompson
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