The Florida Southern College men’s and women’s waterski team competed in the 2024 Syndicate WaterSki Collegiate Nationals at the San Marcos River Ranch in Martindale, Texas where they came away with a fourth place finish in the division I competition.
“This past week has definitely been a memorable one,” stated Aaliyah Yoong Hanifah. “After learning about Hurricane Milton, I was almost certain we weren’t going to make it to Texas and had already been mentally prepared to miss out, so I’m so grateful to athletics, our coach Curtis, and everyone involved in the decision to get us to nationals despite all the uncertainty. I hadn’t skied as well as I had wanted to, but just being there with the team and around people who you know will always have your back even when times are tough had made me realize it’s not just about skiing your best, it’s also about showing up for the team and being there for one another. That’s what makes our team one of the best ones out there. I’m also so proud to be able to say we got fourth especially when we’re missing two valuable team members.”
The Mocs finished with 10,050 points just behind DI University of Alabama (11,220) in third, University of Louisiana Monroe (11,705) in second and repeat national champion for the past four years The University of LA Lafayette with 12,850 points.
Florida Southern had four finishes with podium appearances as Olivia Chute took home gold in the trick and Aaliyah Yoong Hanifah had two podium finishes with second places in the jump and overall for the women. The men were led by Johnny Horwood and Chris Horwood with Johnny earning a fourth overall and Chris Horwood finishing fifth.
“After some uncertainty with hurricane Milton potentially impacting our departure, I am thrilled that our team was able to make it to Nationals, “stated Olivia Chute. I also am ecstatic to walk away with the win in women’s tricks and a fourth place finish for the team.”
The men’s team was led by three different skiers in each category. Chris Horwood and John Horwood led in the slalom placing tied for 15th both with a 2.00 buoys, George Malinovski led the trick placing tied for 10th with a 4,100 score and 505 points. Johnny Horwood led in the jump placing ninth jumping 165 feet to earn 520 points.
“My last Nationals was one to remember forever, ” stated senior Johnny Horwood. “From the incredible team spirit, outstanding athletic performance from the Mocs, countless memories with family/team, and my first Nationals podium with my twin Chris. Couldn’t be prouder of the Mocs.”
The women’s team was led by Chute being named the Trick National Champion earning 580 points with a score of 3,910. Yoong Hanifah placed second in the jump with 570 points jumping 130 feet. Yoong Hanifah also took home second place overall in individual podiums scoring 1,550 points just behind Lara Butlin from LA Lafayette who won with 1,585 points. Chute also led the Mocs in the Slalom placing tied for seventh finishing with 3.00 buoys.
