Dear Ballers, From Krista

[The_Krista]

Hi Ballers, USA-WS members, non-members and everything else in between,  

 

Just to give you full disclosure-I have sent a versions of what I am about to say to a handful of the presidents, EVPs, directors, etc., as well. I want to reiterate that my role in the organization and the sport is evolving but not disappearing. 

 

With that being said thank you to everyone who has supported USA-WS, our new endeavors this past year and embracing the life on the water theme. I'm sure by now, you've received notice of my departure from the official USA-WS headquarter's staff. But I wanted to assure you that my heart and passion remain in the same place regardless of whether or not I am receiving a USA-WS paycheck. 

 

This decision was a tough one as I feel like my duties here are not done--but (thankfully) I know you can make just as much of an impact as a volunteer, member of a task force, the board, an official, etc., and I fully intend to participate at these levels for the rest of my life. 

 

This new job gives me a lot of flexibility as far as schedule and location go (which is great for my lifestyle, skiing and future little family with the impending wedding) and allows for my eventual relocation to California.

 

I was hoping to remain close to the Nationals Task Force in some capacity because that particular project is near and dear to my heart. And with my new job, I will also have a little more free-time than I currently do to focus on projects that matter most to me. 

 

I feel guilty leaving my role, but am working closely with Bob C. and staff through the next few weeks and even after my official last day to help with transition, sponsors, duties, questions, etc. Like I continue to tell Bob C. "you're not getting rid of me just yet."

 

If there is anything I can do at this time or in the future, please let me know. I want you to know I am here as a resource and want to give back with perspectives as an athlete, multiple national champion, a person in that "high-chance of not renewing their membership age-range" and as someone who has been a senior judge, regular driver, regular scorer, USA Jr team member, daughter/supporter of a national's chief driver, an employee of a handful of our vendors, a employee of USA-WS, an employee of the Pro ski tour, an official at The Masters, from a family and a group of friends of water skiers who qualify and don't compete at nationals, and lover of life on the water since before I could walk.

 

Thank you again for your time and hopefully understanding. As always, you all should know how to find me if you have any questions or concerns.

 

And I want to leave this with a fair warning…my opinions are mine and mine alone, not a reflection of the organization or anyone else. I don’t claim to have the answers or to be right but I can promise you my heart is in this for the right reasons. I am always open for a healthy, logical discussion supported by facts, stats and intelligence. I am open to constructive criticism and challenge of my beliefs. As I was reminded this weekend…this sport has a lot of “chiefs” and a lot of strong personalities. That means we can really get something done and kick some ass, right? (Can I say ass now?) 

Thanks again and for letting me get my message out there.

 

Best, 

Krista

[TFIN]

Thanks for everything Krista.

[Chef23]

Good luck on your new job.

[Horton]

when can you baby sit?

[Tyler_R]

Are you available for jump coaching any time soon?

[ForrestGump]

@Tyler_R You've seen her jump, right???

 

 

and who can forget this little gem from Nationals 2011 20 seconds in........

 

 

Hahahahaha. Make heap big splash, Kemosabe!

 

Seriously, Krista.... good luck with the new endeavor!

[The_Krista]

@ShaneH‌ .... Even if I jumped safely and further than ever before (this is a hypothetical situation of course..) --I don't think I would ever out-ski the haunting of those videos. Still, they are pretty funny. Thanks for the kind words. x :)

[Horton]

@Shane‌ U R Evil

[Tyler_R]

@ShaneH‌ she makes such a nice splash at the end.

[Chef23]

She is tough. That was a pretty rough crash to bounce back from and take your next jump.

[ForrestGump]

@Chef23 me thinks she just might have just been knocked sillier than usual. ;)

[Horton]

This never gets old

[MattP]

Her first set with an RTP was also a moment to remember. I need to dig up that video it's a classic.

 

[The_Krista]

I think I just solved this entire more participants / more ski rides per person / Nationals format crisis..... If you have not qualified for regular Nationals, you can try to qualify at night under the lights in a nationals "LCQ" on the plank ski by challenging someone who has already qualified in a head to head, if you beat them, you can ski the next day at nationals as well..... One ski fits all. Two birds with one stone. Must wear a go pro and chug a beer when you're done (over 21 of course.)

[The_Krista]

OMG @mattp you are in trouble! I've been in a double boot since I was 7 years old! 7! Over 20 years in a double boot and then trying a RTP was a terrible experience. I think I would have done better wrong foot forward. lol

[Skoot1123]

@the_krista - thanks for your contributions to AWSA. Best of luck in all your new endeavors!

[skidawg]

Found this vid of @Shaneh on a bike, not sure how to imbed but here is a

linkhttps://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=10152957741258536

[MISkier]

That bike crash makes my worst ski wipeout seem like just relaxing in the recliner with a beer. Wow. Very lucky.

[Tyler_R]

@The_Krista‌ I'm game for your idea for nationals, but let's make it 3 beers and a tequillia shot for each ball the person you challenge rounds.

[MattP]

@The_Krista‌ you are not old enough to have been skiing since the age of 7 and in double boots for 20 years!

[The_Krista]

Haha aww @mattp trying to earn brownie points...I'm coming in hot to the big 3-0! lol YIKES.

[Than_Bogan]

Does everyone but me know what Krista's next step is? Feeling like I missed some context here. (Wrist slap to me if it was on the front page...)

[bigtex2011]

It looks her next step is OTF :)

[Horton]

@Than_Bogan Marriage & live in California & marketing job.

[Ham_Wallace]

Thank You The_Kritter!