By outreach@cw.ua.edu (Anna Blake Atkinson)
Born and raised on the water, the Carter sisters, did not pick up the sport of water skiing overnight. Brie and Chanah Cater began skiing at the age of four and six.
“You’re raised in it because you must have a boat and water equipment,” vice president, Brie Carter said.
The sisters were not the only ones in the University of Alabama Water Ski Club with years of experience. Their teammate, Madeline Pierce, has grown up competing since age seven. One of the biggest reasons she considered attending Alabama was the possibility of being a part of the water ski team.
“I grew up competing individually and have always wanted to be a part of a college team,” Price said.
Some of her favorite memories include attending collegiate nationals each year.
Alabama’s Water Ski Club was victorious after hosting the 2014 regionals followed by another regional win in 2015 at Clemson. In 2014 and 2015, the team placed fourth at Nationals leaving them hungry for the 2016 National title that will be held at Imperial Lakes in California in mid October.
“We have a really good chance at winning Nationals this year,” Chanah Carter said said. “It’s my dream for the team.”
The club brings together several individuals with different backgrounds and interests. Chanah Carter is a member of Alpha Epsilon Delta, the health professional honor society.
“Since I was four, I have known I wanted to ski and be a dentist,” Chanah Carter said.
As a club these individuals volunteer for UADM, Miracle Network Dance Marathon for the local children’s hospital. In addition to volunteering and competing the club has an important tradition. Every Saturday of tournament weekends, all the collegiate teams eat at a Mexican restaurant. The tradition involves screaming the song, “Days of the Week” before leaving the restaurant.
“The University of Alabama is well known for holding traditions, and the water ski team holds our own by a winning record in the past recent years,” said Brie. “We’re recruiting [Nick] Saban to be our coach to show us some magic and win the national title in October. Roll Tide.”
Source:: The Crimson White Sports
