Student Spotlight-Rona Hansen, Water Ski Club

Buoys to Boat Driving: Rona Hansen’s Leadership in the UC Davis Water Ski Club

Second-year Economics major Rona Hansen combines leadership, independence, and community-building as president of the UC Davis Water Ski Club—helping guide a unique, student-driven sport on campus.

Leading on and off the Water

Rona Hansen, a second-year Economics major at University of California, Davis, has found her stride both as an athlete and a leader through her involvement with the Water Ski Club. Currently serving as president, Rona plays a central role in organizing and sustaining the club’s operations.

Her responsibilities range from managing administrative paperwork and coordinating with UC Davis Campus Recreation to overseeing logistics for tournaments, practices, and recruitment. Acting as the bridge between the university and the club, she ensures that everything runs smoothly behind the scenes.

“I get to have a say in what happens leadership-wise and bring in new ideas,” she shared. “That’s my favorite part.”

Discovering a Competitive Passion

Rona first encountered the Water Ski Club at Rec Fest during her freshman year. While she had some experience water skiing recreationally, she hadn’t realized it existed as a competitive sport until arriving at UC Davis.

“I knew how to ski,” she said, “but I didn’t know there was a sport around it.”

Encouraged by a family friend familiar with the program, Rona joined the club—and quickly became immersed in its competitive and community-driven environment.

A Unique, Student-Driven Sport

One of the most distinctive aspects of the Water Ski Club is its independence. Without a formal coach, members rely entirely on one another for improvement, support, and instruction.

“All the coaching is peer-to-peer,” Rona explained. “So when you see yourself or your teammates improve, it’s really rewarding.”

Practices require initiative and coordination. The team trains at a private, man-made ski lake in Rio Linda, about 30 minutes from campus. Members organize carpools, connect with certified boat drivers within the club, and fit practices into their own schedules throughout the week.

Because of this structure, Rona emphasizes the importance of personal accountability.

“You get out what you put in,” she said. “It’s up to you to stay committed.”

Understanding the Sport

Competitive water skiing is composed of three events: slalom, trick, and jump. Each requires a different combination of skill, precision, and control.

In Slalom, skiers zig-zag a six buoy course with increasing difficulty at higher speed and shorter rope lengths. Trick involves performing various spins and flips, each with assigned point values. In Jump, skiers cut toward a six foot ramp at speeds upwards of 50mph in order to achieve the farthest distance possible.

Similar to other collegiate sports like swimming, athletes earn individual scores that contribute to an overall team score—determining rankings and qualification for major competitions.

Building Toward Nationals

One of the most defining moments of Rona’s experience came in fall 2025, when the team qualified for nationals for the first time in five years.

“Seeing everyone work so hard to get there—and then actually making it—was amazing,” she said. “It brought a lot of excitement for what we can do moving forward.”

The achievement marked a turning point for the club, sparking renewed motivation and a shared sense of purpose among members.

A Community That Supports Success

Beyond the water, the club fosters a strong sense of academic and personal support. Members frequently organize study sessions, particularly during midterms and finals, creating a collaborative environment that extends beyond athletics.

“It’s a great way to stay driven and supported,” Rona said.

For her, water skiing also provides a valuable mental reset.

“If I’m unmotivated, I’ll go out to the lake and come back ready to get things done,” she shared.

Growing Through Leadership

Serving as president has helped Rona develop key professional skills, including communication, time management, and delegation. Coordinating a large executive board and managing complex logistics has challenged her to stay organized and proactive.

“It’s taught me how to be efficient and work with a team effectively,” she said.

While she is still exploring her long-term career path, Rona is interested in pursuing a role on the managerial side of business—an area where her leadership experience already provides a strong foundation.

From Lifeguard to Club Leader

In addition to her involvement with the club, Rona works as a lifeguard at the UC Davis Rec Pool and was recently promoted to Head Guard. She credits the program for maintaining high safety standards and providing skills that directly support her role in water skiing.

“Lifeguarding has prepared me for any situation, which is always helpful at the lake,” she said. 

A Lasting Impact

Rona encourages students to explore club sports as a way to build community and find balance during their college experience.

“The second you join a team, you have a whole new group of friends,” she said. “It’s one of the best ways to get connected.”

For those interested in trying water skiing, the club offers free trial days in the spring, giving students a chance to experience the sport firsthand before committing.

For Rona, the Water Ski Club has become more than just an extracurricular—it’s been a defining part of her time at UC Davis, shaping her leadership, confidence, and sense of community.

Staying Connected

Students can meet the Water Ski Club at Rec Fest in the fall or visit them at the Memorial Union on March 30 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., where they will be showcasing their boat and sharing information about how to get involved. For more information, follow them on Instagram @ucdwaterski.