Walkin' On Water: Junior Skis to Success
by Martha Kaskie
Open your eyes... COLD. HOMEWORK. SNOW. SCHOOL.
Though it is hard to believe for some of us, for junior Jennifer Edney it is reality. "I have always had a passion for water-skiing. I made the decision to give up volleyball, and now water-skiing is my life."
This passion is somewhat unheard of given the state of Nebraska is surrounded by land on all four sides. Edney said she makes it happen! She learned how to ski at the age of five on two connected skis with the trusted help of her father. Then just three short years later she was slalom skiing. In order to satisfy her thirst for this water sport she finds her refuge at the nearby Carter Lake. There she competes and works at various tournaments such as the Labor Day Weekend Water-skiing Tournament in the summer of 1999. The obvious weather conditions of a Nebraska winter postpone her season until the beginning of March with practices at the crack of dawn before school and lasting until the end of the summer.
This past December, Jenny traveled to Florida to attend the week-long Jack Traverse International Water-skiing Camp, which is a huge accomplishment in itself. She learned some new tricks on the trick skis, conquered her fears of jumping, and improved her slalom skiing immensely, she said.
Edney is ambitious and has plans to continue her water-skiing career in college. She said she hopes to become more competitive and hopes to contend in Nationals. After a long summer of practicing in 2000, Edney's long term goal is to compete in the Women's Pro Tour.
"I am a big believer in pushing yourself out of your normal comfort zone and that makes me a stronger person." Edney said she has the desire to do well not only in her skiing, but also in her schoolwork. This experience has taught her the importance of managing her time. She also finds that the more active she is, the better her grades are. She stays active in the Marian community by playing in the orchestra for the musical, being a student athletic trainer for volleyball, and by being involved FCA, Fellowship of Christian Athletes.
So one day, if you are watching ESPN and you see Jenny Edney competing in the Women's Pro Tour skiing with confidence and charisma, she'll be just walkin' on water.