NCWSA Hall of Fame – Class of 2025: Jeff Rush – National Collegiate Water Ski Association

Every skier dreams of reaching the elite level, traveling the world, and competing at the highest levels of the sport. For many skiers, that opportunity may remain just out of reach, but there are many ways to make a lasting impact on the sport. Jeff Rush found his own way to do that. He found countless ways to give back and help others pursue their own dreams.

Rush has dedicated much of his time to supporting collegiate and competitive water skiing as a whole. From serving in leadership roles while skiing at San Diego State University (SDSU), to helping at a majority of Nationals and All-Stars since the mid-2000s, Rush has consistently found ways to contribute. His service has extended well beyond tournament weekends. He has served as WCWSA Chairman and has been a member of the NCWSA International Activities Committee since 2015, first representing the West Coast and, beginning in 2022, serving as the committee chair. While serving as head of the awards committee he helped come up with the idea for the NCWSA Hall of Fame which he is is now a member of!

Rush began skiing at SDSU in 2001 and became involved in regional leadership in 2008. The following year, he joined the National Board, beginning a long history of service to the sport at both the regional and national levels. He has remained actively involved with AWSA and NCWSA tournaments throughout the years, taking on whatever role was needed to help an event succeed. Whether serving as a judge, driver, scorer, or in another volunteer capacity, Rush has consistently been willing to step up and support the sport. His commitment to collegiate water skiing also led to opportunities to represent the United States on the international stage. In 2016, Rush was selected as Team Manager for the U.S. University Water Ski Team as they traveled to Japan. Under his leadership and guidance, the team went on to win gold, adding another significant accomplishment to his years of service to collegiate water skiing.

In 2023, Rush’s dedication to the sport was recognized when he received the Western Region Merit Award. The award recognized not only his service, but also the friendship, integrity, and dedication he has brought to the water ski community. He became a NCWSA Honorary National Director in 2024 and was inducted into the NCWSA Hall of Fame in 2025.

Throughout his years in the sport, Jeff Rush has demonstrated that making an impact in water skiing is about much more than what happens behind the boat. Through leadership, volunteerism, mentorship, and an unwavering willingness to serve, he has helped strengthen the sport and create opportunities for generations of collegiate skiers.