Texas State water ski team set for nationals

By Jessica Sinn
University News Service
October 25, 2007

The Texas State Water Ski Team is one of 20 of the nation’s top collegiate teams to compete in the event.  Fourteen Texas State team members will compete in division two with Texas A&M University, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Rollins College, University of Michigan, University of Illinois, University of California-Davis and San Diego State University. 

Ashley Goddard, a senior studying exercise and sports science at Texas State,  will compete in all three events, which include  slalom, skiing on one water ski while maneuvering around buoys; trick, performing gymnastic-style tricks; and jump, skiing off ramps and launching into the air for as long as possible.

In between school and work, Goddard, of Lake Jackson, is busy training at Lake Utopia three days a week.  Although she has been water skiing all her life, she said she didn’t start competing in tournaments until she entered college.  She said she hopes to help her team succeed in the upcoming competition, but more importantly, to have fun.

“I like to water ski to get exercise and to have fun,” said Goddard, Texas State Water Ski Team vice president, “It’s neat skiing on top of the water--it feels like your flying,”

Goddard said she’s looking forward to participating in the national championships because it’s a great opportunity to learn from the professionals and network with water skiers from universities throughout the U.S. 

“I enjoy meeting other people who share the same passion for water skiing,” Goddard said.  “And it’s just fun watching some of the professional level skiers from division 1.”

Texas State and Texas A&M University are the two teams from the South Central region to compete in the regional competition.  Stephanie Thompson, Department of Campus Recreation sport clubs director, said the Texas State Water Ski Team stands a good chance of winning because it placed third in last year’s South Central Collegiate Regional Championships.

Thompson said the national championship competition is an excellent stepping stone for prospective elite water ski athletes.

“It’s kind of like the premier water skiing event for the collegiate level,” Thompson said.  “There are a lot of skiers who go on to ski professionally after competing in the nationals.”

By flaunting their Bobcat pride at national tournaments, Thompson said these student athletes will feel a greater sense of connection with their school. 

“They’re very excited about competing at the nationals,” Thompson said.  “It’s a unique opportunity for Texas State to be represented on a national level.” 

For more information about the Texas State Water Ski Team, visit www.campusrecreation.txstate.edu or call (512) 245-2392.