Ragin’ Cajuns Water Ski Team MAKING WAVES YET AGAIN

By Tonya Trcalek

The University of Louisiana at Lafayette Ragin’ Cajuns Water Ski Team has done it again. For the third year in a row, they’ve won the Division 1 national title at the Syndicate Waterskis Collegiate Water Ski National Championships, beating 11 teams for the win. What’s more, the three-peat came on the heels of an undefeated season for the Cajuns. The team has been a force to be reckoned with since the club formed in 1988, earning nine national championships — the most national championships in any sport in UL history. “Since 1988 we’ve been either first or second place except for maybe two years,” said Head Coach Ryan Gonzales.

He credits that to seeking out talent and going all in on recruitment. “We are one of few schools that offers scholarships. The city of Lafayette is really what draws them here — the culture, music, food.”

Gonzales and the 18-member team keep an eye out for standout talent “We start recruiting when they’re very young. When our skiers are out at competitions around the world, they let them know we’re watching them,” Gonzales explained.

The phrase ‘champions aren’t born, they’re made’ holds true for team members who “as soon as the sun comes up, they’re practicing. They go to class and go back to ski.” And they carry that champion attitude on and off the water through community outreach, including food drives, breast cancer awareness, and a nonprofit fundraiser for children who’ve lost a parent, among others. “It keeps them humble and is a cornerstone I insist upon them,” said Gonzales, who instills seven pillars — Cajun family, teamwork, passion, discipline, commitment, perseverance, and balance. “They represent who we are and what we seek to be.” R