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I would like to nominate Nicko Pinedo for the most supportive skier award. Waterskiing is not just about individual performance; it’s about the late nights, the early mornings, and the people who show up no matter what. And if there’s one person who has consistently shown up for this team, it’s Nicko.
This season, Nicko went above and beyond, stepping up when we needed him most. When our fifth jumper was injured, he didn’t hesitate to put himself on the dock, proving that he was willing to do whatever it took for the team. But that moment was just one example of the dedication he’s shown all year. Nicko has been there for every single tournament, regardless of whether he was skiing A team or not. At Nationals, I’m pretty sure he got MAYBE three hours of sleep. Nicko tends to be the last one asleep and the first one up to cheer people off of the dock, and absolutely deserves the most supportive skier award.I would like to nominate Ryan Greiser from SIU for the best team captain award. If you’ve ever met Ryan, you know that leadership isn’t just about holding a title; it’s about lifting others up, creating a team that feels like a family, and pushing every single member to be their best. And that is exactly what Ryan has done.
Since last winter when he was elected president, he has made sure that everyone—no matter their skill level—felt welcomed, supported, and encouraged. Ryan isn’t just excited about personal achievements but celebrates every win, big or small, as if it were his own. Whether it’s a first-time skier getting up on the water or a 1000-point trick run, he is the loudest cheerleader on the dock.
Beyond that, Ryan has dedicated an unbelievable amount of time to our team, constantly working behind the scenes to ensure we have the best experience possible. Organizing getting our first team boat, coordinating travel, leading fundraisers—you name it, he does it. And let’s not forget that under his leadership, our team made history by advancing to Nationals for the very first time. That wasn’t just luck—that was the result of dedication, passion, and a leader who truly believes in every one of us.