NCWSA Hall of Fame – Class of 2019: Libby Van Treese

It would have been really simple to begin this article talking about the 13 AWSA National Trick titles Libby Van Treese has won or the amount of times she’s graced the dock at a Worlds event. But I find it much more appropriate to begin with the fact that as I was gathering quotes from Libby, she had to put her answers on hold because she was busy till dusk coaching and helping the Miami University (Miami of Ohio) team prep for collegiate nationals.

“One of the young men really wanted to try trick skiing having skied a personal best in slalom yesterday,” Libby said in her email back to me. “He literally learned the whole two ski surface trick run tonight and was smiling from ear to ear — it just doesn’t get any better than that.”

That is “Momma VT’s” passion and personality summed up in a simple example. Whether it’s helping someone master the next trick or passing on a little love and encouragement, she’s always a faithful friend. 

In fact, inviting students over to her lake and providing her home as a training grounds is a regular occurrence. Affectionately nicknamed PB Lake, Libby’s backyard is home to Water Ski 101 Friday classes and home cooked meals post ski sets. 

“Once you’ve stepped on her dock once, she’ll declare you family for life,” Kyle Dammeyer, Libby’s son-in-law, says.

She’s been a mentor, a ski mom, a coach and tireless volunteer at every single collegiate tournament, donating her time, equipment and resources to help develop our sport and the people in it.

If she’s not in the boat pinning a skier, you can spot her on the shore in her signature bright turquoise visor, rocking the team’s spirit theme, or somewhere in the judge’s tower making sure the tournament runs smoothly.

Libby’s contagious spirit and drive have not only set an incredible example for the sport, but also, “taught countless skiers about leadership, compassion, and work ethic, which visibly translates to other aspects of these students’ lives,” Miami of Ohio Alumnus Jared Lutz conveys.

Her impact is evident. After just one season of involvement with Miami of Ohio, the team won NCWSA Team of the Year and Libby received Volunteer Coach of the year.

While it would be simple to continue to list her accolades and feats, the best way to paint a true picture of Libby and her honor is to read it through the words of the people she touched the most.

Every time I put on my trick ski I would think, WWLD (what would Libby do?) Libby taught me the importance of smiling while I ski, and of course that every trick is a gem and should be treated as such.

Kyle Dammeyer

Libby is the kind of coach that made you excited to be out on the water. She had a way of making every individual skier feel like we were worth her time and we were capable of accomplishing greatness both on and off the water.

Mitchell McDaniel, Miami University

Libby is the reason that I became obsessed with trick skiing — before her, I kind of hated the slow learning curve and hard falls. [Now] I love the process of trick skiing and I loved the community that I found skiing with Libby. I am so grateful that she coached me and skied with me and gave me the tools to become more engaged with the sport.

Kristen Dammeyer, Ohio University alumna

Libby is an extraordinary role model on and off the water. She has a knack for making the difficult sport of trick skiing effortless. I can only hope to inspire a fraction of the people Libby has.

Elizabeth Fowler, University of Alabama alumna

She makes every person feel so special and takes the time to learn more than just the speed and event you’re working on.

Maggie Peplow, Miami University ski team senior

She has a way of making everyone around her feel like family. Our sport is very lucky to have her as a role model, advocate and coach.

Christy Kingsmill, MCWSA Chairperson

Without Libby’s contribution to the sport, there would likely not be as many teams in the Midwest as there are today. Libby has had life-long impacts on countless student athletes through her work with collegiate water skiing and I am truly blessed to have been one of them.

Jared Lutz

To me, there is no person that embodies the greatness of the water ski community better than Libby. She is such an amazing person and amazing skier who never tires of sharing her passion and knowledge of the sport.

Thomas McAndrew, Miami of Ohio

The core of my mom’s being is to encourage others, which is what makes her such a great coach. She finds joy in something as big as soaring into the century club, or as seemingly small as learning how to pause between side slides so that you actually get credit for them. Once you’ve met Libby Van Treese, and spent one session behind her boat, you’ve made a cheerleader, friend and confidant for life.

Emily Dammeyer, Libby’s daughter

Libby’s heart of selflessness and her own unquenchable vigor for life behind the boat has left a priceless impact on collegiate skiers and the sport itself — the type of accomplishment that truly warrants a spot in the Hall Of Fame.

Libby, congratulations on being inducted to the NCWSA Hall of Fame as part of the Class of 2019!