Male Athlete of the Year: Zack Worden of ULM
Zack capped off an amazing ski year with top performances at the NCWSA 2011 Nationals. Slaloming through 38 off, and finishing 2^nd with a ½ buoy at 39 off, and earning 4800 pts. in tricks also placing second in the event. He reminded us that he is not just a jump specialist, but an accomplished overall skier. The final day of the event, Zack broke the longest standing NCWSA record, by jumping 195 ft. winning the event and securing the tournament overall individual and team championship.

Female Athlete of the Year: Lauren “Poochie” Morgan of FSC
Lauren at this past year, did something that we have not seen in a long time; a freshman setting a national record. At the first tournament of the year, Lauren jumped 154 ft., 1 ft. shy of Alex's record set just last year. We all knew it would only be a matter of time before the record was hers. On her first jump at Nationals, she set the record at 157 ft. She placed 9^th and 5^th in slalom and tricks respectively at Nationals, and finished nationally ranked at 6^th, 5^th and 1^st in Slalom trick and jump respectively.

Male Outstanding Leader of the Year: Nick Quaglia of UCD
Nick early in the semester, suffered a concussion while jumping, but did not give up his responsibilities as a team leader. The doctors advised him not to ski for a number of weeks to allow time to heal. Where many would have handed over responsibility to someone else, he showed commitment to his team. He attended the next week's tournament to root on his teammates from shore, and help run the event where he could. He then took responsibility for arranging all the necessary eligibility paperwork for each member of the team so they could compete at regionals. Instead of filing for a medical red-shirt, Nick attended and competed at Nationals after being cleared by his doctors to contribute to the team point total. He has shown a great dedication to his team, and they have absolutely benefited from it.

Female Outstanding Leader of the Year: Maddy Baldwin of IOW
Maddy has been an integral part of the University of Iowa's success this past season. Maddy was president this past year and she led her team to regionals for the first time in 8 years, and through a wildcard selection, the teams first ever appearance at nationals. None of this would've been possible without her. This isn't just because of her remarkable water ski abilities, but because she transformed her team. Ever since Maddy joined collegiate skiing 4 years ago she helped out with everything she possibly could. At every midwest tournament Maddy is either in charge, or running around scoring, judging, organizing and also skiing. She has been on the AAC committee for the past 2 years and is always looking for new ways to improve and enhance the sport. She is also alumni liaison for the midwest region. For this position Maddy has really taken charge and is doing new and creative things to keep alumni involved.

Team of the Year
University of Wisconsin Lacrosse took the midwest by storm this past season. They won every tournament this past fall in the midwest, and were the epitome of a team in both spirit and skiing as skiers achieved personal bests throughout the season. They took first at Midwest Regionals and made it to nationals for the first time ever, and it was D1 Nationals. Each individual on this team worked very hard to improve their skiing abilities and they all came together as a team. They supported each other and helped out when they could, all of this led to their success this past season.