The AWSA Midwest Scholarship Committee is proud to recognize Danil Roberts of UW-La Crosse and Reina Itai of the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign as this year’s scholarship recipients. These two student-athletes exemplify the values of leadership, dedication, and a true love for the sport of water skiing, both on and off the water.
Danil Roberts – UW-La Crosse
A finance major with a concentration in personal financial planning, Danil Roberts is not only excelling academically but also giving back to the ski community in meaningful ways. As Vice President of the UW-La Crosse Water Ski Club, Danil helped organize paid volunteer opportunities to fundraise over $2,000 for the team and continues to elevate its presence in the collegiate ski scene.
Beyond campus, Danil volunteers with the Bethany Water Ski Team in La Crosse, helping over 100 young skiers learn the sport — from first rides to barefooting basics. He also supports adaptive water skiing events with NASA, where his compassion and skill shine through while working with athletes with disabilities.
Danil’s appreciation for tournament organizers and officials is clear in his own actions — volunteering at events like Nationals and helping with trick camera coverage to ensure smooth operations. His passion for water skiing runs deep, and he hopes to continue supporting the sport long after graduation through coaching and mentoring future skiers in the Midwest.
Reina Itai – University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
A civil engineering major and the current President of the Illini Waterski and Wakeboard Club, Reina Itai leads with heart, hustle, and a camera in hand. From managing registration and logistics to running the dock at tournaments, Reina ensures every event runs efficiently — often while also capturing the best moments to share with the larger waterski community.
Her leadership extends beyond her team. Reina served as the Midwest Representative on the NCWSA Marketing Committee, managing regional social media, boosting awareness of events, scholarships, and clinics. She’s deeply committed to making the sport more accessible and inclusive, and her efforts have helped connect skiers from all backgrounds across the region.
Reina’s impact goes far beyond her ski rope — she’s a multi-year board member of the Japanese Student Association at UIUC and has juggled multiple internships, academic honors, and leadership roles with grace and determination.
Midwest Pride
Danil and Reina exemplify what it means to be student-athletes in the AWSA Midwest Region and helping to bridge the gap between collegiate and AWSA skiing! Their service, sportsmanship, and leadership represent the future of water skiing — and the Midwest is proud to support them in their academic and athletic journeys.
Congratulations, Danil and Reina! We can’t wait to see where your dedication and passion will take you next.