While most college students relish the precious hours they get to rest, UCLA's Club Waterski and Wakeboard team rises at the crack of dawn to hit the water.
 
Waterskiing is a unique sport. Most people who've experienced it first hand, tend to have either grown up on a lake or skied on family excursions. Be that as it may, UCLA's Club Waterski and Wakeboard is comprised of a melting pot of players ranging from highly experienced athletes to those who have never seen a water-ski in their life.
 
Team president Julia Schulte commented, "At first I was nervous to join because I feared I would be judged for my lack of ability, however I quickly learned that my opinion was very far from the truth. The team was very accustomed to new members and welcomed me with open arms."
 
Unlike many club sports, the Waterski and Wakeboard team does not have a coach. However, this fact is a blessing in disguise. Despite not having an official trainer the Bruins have learned to coach each other, and as Julia Schulte put it "everyone learns a little and teaches a lot." If you aren't skiing then you're on the boat observing the skier and giving him/ her feedback on their performance. With the implementation of this technique, the team has risen in the ranking, placing third in the western region for the spring season.


 
Reflecting on the season as a whole, team captain Corey Wilson highlighted the teams' progress noting, "This year has truly been one for the books. The team has not only tripled in size but has also improved in our skiing ability, with new members such as Joey Healow and Zachary Myers landing PB's (personal bests) in almost every event."
 
The team wrapped up the 2015-2016 competitive season sending Bruins Madeline Brooks, Nicole Jewell, Vita Moskal, and Corey Wilson to Western Washington to compete in Collegiate All Stars.
 
I got the chance to catch up with graduating seniors Gina Phillipi and Bryce Waldman about their time on the team. Both Bruins described their experiences on the team as being "one that molded their college experience." "The Waterski team has given me a friend group that I can always rely on and a sport that I love. "


 
Looking forward, the team will be traveling to Western Washington in the fall to compete in the Western Collegiate Waterski Regionals. Corey highlighted that this tournament will be the determining factor of the teams' qualification for Collegiate Nationals, which will be held in San Diego two weeks after Regionals.
 
With all their hard work and training, we have no doubt our fellow Bruins will go far!
Good luck at Regionals!