Callaway Gardens Pine Mountain, GA
May 25-27, 2007

Coming into the Masters I felt stronger and more prepared than ever before in my water skiing career. After graduating from Rollins College in December, I finally had the opportunity to put all of my energy into training. I have never had this much time to spend in the gym and on the water. After experiencing the stress free life of a non-student, I have realized this kind of time definitely does wonders for my skiing. Sadly, this break will be short lived because I plan to attend law school in 2008, so I’m smellin’ the roses at the moment.

As we broke through the smoky Georgia line I realized this year I was beginning to make a break through of my own. This year I feel different. I feel like a seasoned professional slalom skier. I actually know what I am doing out there now, and it feels great to be in such control! I know what I want to do on the water, I set my mind to it, and it happens! Such bliss! It only took 5 professional seasons to finally gain this kind of confidence, but I’m improving and it feels great! 

The first round as I sat on the dock I knew it was going to be a good day for me. I felt strong and confident. My first pass reminded me that Robin Lake is no piece of cake. Although we all strive for our Masters invitations which will give us the right to compete on the prestigious waters of Robin Lake, it is no Trophy Lakes. After two Masters of falling on my 2^nd pass I know the toll the bumpy waters can take on an inexperienced, or unconfident competitor, but this year I felt I had some experience under my belt after making the finals and finishing 4^th in last years’ Masters. This year I wanted to do better!

I felt solid all the way through my 35off pass (12 meters). I also had a great start at 38off (11.25meters). I made it around 3 buoy at 38 off (11.25 meters) and thought I could make it to 4 ball for a quarter to insure my spot in the finals. Unfortunately, I learned that I had dropped the handle and actually skied right inside of 4 buoy, after thinking that I hade made the cut already. This would mean a runoff for a spot in the finals. The thought of having to do it again did not alter my sense of confidence. I had practiced coming off the dock at 35 several times in the past couple of weeks. I knew I could do this.

In the runoff I ran 35 (12 meters) off the dock, and it felt even more solid than my first 35! I would be in the finals of the Masters for the 2^nd year in a row!

The wind started to blow in the final round, particularly for the women’s slalom event. Sitting on the dock in front of the Robin Lake pavilion, I knew deep down that I wanted to use a different strategy than my competitors. I was the 2^nd to last competitor and after watching three of the best female slalom skiers in the world go down early at 32off and 35off I knew it was not going to be smooth out there. I decided that my best bet would be to go out at 32off (13 meters), this would be a risk, but to me it was either all or nothing and I was willing to take the risk. I felt my 2^nd pass was the best end (less bumpy) which would allow me the chance to get a better start at 35off and possibly take a shot at winning the tournament. I ran 32off in the harsh waters, although it was not pretty, I managed to stick with it.

My 35off started nicely, and I felt that I was running it, but just as I started to turn 4 ball it was all over. I had loaded too hard and too early, a common mistake for me. As I swam back to the dock I knew I would be 3^rd place, which although a place better than last year I felt slightly disappointed with because I could almost smell first place this year. But with each year I gain more confidence and experience, so I guess better luck in 2008! 

Sarah Green came out after me and got 4.25 at 35off (12 meters) enough to take the win! Although a true competitor always strives to win, I couldn’t think of a better person to win the Masters than Sarah! She is such a strong competitor on the water, and such a humble and kind person off the water. Although I really wanted my first win, I know that Sarah’s experience really meant something on Robin Lake. I can only hope that when I reach the success Sarah has that I will be as gracious of a winner!

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