2026 USA Award Banquet Recipients
The 2026 USA-WSWS Awards Banquet was truly an evening to remember. with 220 plus in attendance, USA Water Ski & Wake Sports presented more than 50 awards honoring the individuals and teams whose dedication, talent, and leadership continue to elevate the sport nationwide. Awards were given across nine disciplines, recognizing excellence in athletic performance, sportsmanship, coaching, and volunteer service.
From 12-year-old barefooter Logan Harrington, recipient of ABC’s Rising Superstar award, to decorated veterans and undisputed legends such as Regina Jaquess—who earned multiple awards including Female Athlete of the Year and Female Slalom Skier of the Year—the watersports community came together as one to celebrate those who push the limits, give back, and help grow the sport they love.
We want to congratulate all of our award winners at this years banquet, and give a big thank you to everyone who showed up despite some record breaking low temperatures in Florida.
USA-WSWS:
National Water Ski Race Association
Most Improved Skiers – Cameron Riley & Kash Kupfer
Female Athlete of the Year – Julia Williams
Male Athlete of the Year – Ryder Tovatt
President’s Award – Gage Goldsmith
American Kneeboard Association
Ambassador of the Year – Alisa Piper
USA Wake Sports
Shatter the Standard (Cable) – Ana Thomas
The Rescue Ranger (Wakeboard) – H Fry
Young Gun Award (Wakeboard) – Ezra O’Neal
Athlete of the Year (Wake Surf) – Jett Lambert
USA Adaptive Water Ski and Wake Sports
Male Athlete of the Year
Female Athlete of the Year
American Barefoot Club
Volunteer of the Year – Sandy Boerman
Rising Superstar – Logan Harrington
Female Athlete of the Year – Teri Larson Jones
Male Athlete of the Year – Noah Kinnaman
Team of the Year – Masters World Championship Team
National Collegiate Water Ski Association
Volunteer of the Year – Ty Vaio
Male Outstanding Leader of the Year – Will Fiedler (Feed – ler)
Female Outstanding Leader of the Year – Sage Pottbecker
Male Athlete of the Year – Charlie Ross
Female Athlete of the Year – Kennedy Hansen
Team of the Year – Michigan State University
National Show Ski Association
President’s Award – Team USA Water Ski Show Team
Volunteer of the Year – Jeff Henke
Official of the Year – Logan Shapiro
President’s Award – Rock Aqua Jays
“That’s Incredible” Award - Gabbie Taschwer, Bailey Hyatt, Sarah Fiedorowicz, and Josie Smerchek
Female Athlete of the Year – Gabbie Taschwer
Male Athlete of the Year – Dan Laughlin
American Water Ski Association
Volunteers of the Year – Rodger and Cynthia Logan
Male Trick & Male Overall Skier of the Year – Jake Abelson
Female Trick Skier of the Year – Erika Lang
Female Overall Skier of the Year – Kennedy Hansen
Male Jump Skier of the Year – Brandon Schipper
Female Jump Skier of the Year – Brittany Wharton
Team of the Year – Elite USA Water Ski Team
Male Slalom Skier of the Year – Nate Smith
Female Slalom Skier & Athlete of the Year – Regina Jaquess
Congratulations once again to all of the award winners and thank you for all of your hard work, dedication, and love for water sports. We would not be where we are today without each and every one of you!
