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Introduction

Meet Solie Stenger, a seasoned waterskier competing at the highest level of junior waterskiing. Solie shares her insights on the joys and challenges of waterskiing at the competitive level at such a young age. These insights include what it was like at the Masters Qualifying Water Ski & Wakeboard Tournament this past May. The Masters is known throughout the world as the most prestigious watersports tournament. The event began in 1959 at Callaway Gardens and is now held annually. Below you’ll find what Solie had to say about her time there.  

Personal Background

Thanks for taking the time to talk with us. Let’s just dive in! How did you get started in waterskiing?

“My grandparents owned a lake house when I was growing up. Then, we as a family moved to a lake where I learned to ski and do a course. From there, I went to a small fun class tournament where my coach picked me up, and it’s been smooth sailing from there.”

Can you tell us a bit about your journey in the sport?

 “I started tournament skiing when I was 12, and I did my first Nationals the year after, podiuming for the first time. Prior to that, I started slaloming at age 10 and skiing at 3.”

What other hobbies or interests do you have outside of waterskiing?

“I love to play soccer and hang out with friends. I also do diving and lift in the off-season.”

Preparation and Training

How did you prepare for the competition?

“I took a break after Moomba for about four weeks. Then, I began skiing on the weekends in Virginia with my coach. From there, I took the week before the presumes to ski in Florida. Once qualified, I went to Georgia in order to ski similar water.”

Can you describe your training routine leading up to the event?

“I was only training for slalom for these events. Normally, I would ski twice a day: one session for technical skills and the other to work on going down the line.”

What specific techniques or skills did you focus on improving?

 “I was really working on running 35 consistently for this tournament, knowing that this is what I would need to qualify. I especially focused on my 2/4 side and keeping my shoulders up.”

Competition Experience

What were your thoughts and feelings leading up to the competition?

“This is by far the most nervous I have ever been, especially leading up to it. I gave up a lot for this tournament—friends, social events, and other sports—so a lot was on the line.”

Can you walk us through your performance on the day of the competition?

“During the qualifiers, I skied twice each time. The first was at Charlie Ross’s home lake, where I skied in the morning and tied my personal best! I was stoked and seeded second. In the afternoon, I skied again—not as well, but still got deep into 35. I was still in second place, meaning I wouldn’t qualify during this tournament as they only took one out of the 20 skiers.

During the second qualifier, they took two skiers. This was my last chance, and I was beyond nervous. I skied the first day awfully, turning 5 ball at 35, but the judges ended up taking my 3 ball away, putting me in a six-way runoff for first with 2@35. I did not like this feeling, knowing I only had one more shot to qualify for the tournament of my dreams.

The final round came the next day, and I was shaking. Normally, I can control my nerves, but these were bad. However, I skied a tournament-winning round and took first place, qualifying me for the Jr. Masters. To say I was stoked would be an understatement.

During the Masters tournament itself, I was simply happy to be there and frankly didn’t care too much about how I skied, not thinking I would podium. However, I skied my first round, getting 4@35, which on Robin Lake is a massive score. I was tied for second going into finals, and in the finals, I got 2, putting me in third place and earning a spot on the podium. Regardless of the fact that it wasn’t anywhere near my best, this is the happiest I have ever been.”

Were there any unexpected challenges or surprises during the event?

“Nothing was out of the ordinary at the first qualifier. In the second, however, in the last round, it was extremely windy, meaning I would have to take 35 tail, making it extremely difficult. At the Masters itself, it is an extremely hard lake to ski at, and most ski around a pass under their personal best due to the seawalls and rollers throughout the whole course.”

Results and Reflection

How do you feel about your performance?

“I am beyond happy and surprised. This is beyond anything that I have ever dreamed of, and to do it in my last Junior Masters makes me so happy to come away with a medal.”

What were the key factors that contributed to your success or areas you want to improve?

“My friends and family support me, which gets my confidence and motivation up to do what I do! My coaches were also crucial; without them, the small changes for the big outcome would not have happened.”

Can you describe any memorable moments from the competition?

“The people. Everyone here is among the top junior skiers in the world, as well as pro skiers. Simply being a part of this group makes it so awesome to ski with the people I looked up to my whole life. An especially memorable moment was when I came into the dock after my first set at Robin Lake, and multiple people hugged me, predicting that I made the finals when I had no idea!”

Event Highlights

What was the atmosphere like at the competition venue?

“Amazing. This was by far the most prestigious and waterski-loving environment I have ever been in. I felt famous, which as a waterskier is uncommon.”

Were there any standout performances from other athletes that inspired you?

“My good friend Trinidad Espinal beating the course record for juniors. She ran 5@38 when the record was 4. This is an unbelievable score, and to do this as a junior—she beat most open women at just age 17.”

How did you celebrate after the competition?

“Me and all of my friends hung out after skiing. All of the juniors celebrated together! At the banquet, then once the pros were done skiing, everyone celebrated with the pros as well!”

Additional Insights

So what would you say that motivates you to participate in waterski competitions?

“My friends, family, and the environment. Tournaments like these are always something I look forward to because of this.”

How do you handle nerves or pressure during competitions?

 “I have breathing exercises I practice routinely. I also stick to my warm-up routine and don’t change it. This brings me a sense of comfort, almost as if I’m practicing at home. Sometimes, I even jump around or go for a run to shake the nerves.”

What advice would you give to someone new to competitive waterskiing?

“Enjoy it, and get yourself immersed in the community. The more you learn in the community and become friends with the people, the more you’ll want to keep coming back.”

Team and Support

How did your coach and support team help you during the preparation and competition?

“My coach was actually competing in these tournaments with me. We simply raked through my worries and concerns as well as what I needed to achieve. This went vice versa—I helped him, he helped me.”

Can you share any stories or moments with your teammates that stood out to you?

“Hugging all of my friends when I made finals and when I made Masters itself.”

How do you balance the competitive aspect with camaraderie among fellow athletes?

 “Here, compared to most, it was a little more competitive because there are only so many spots and everyone is fighting for them. However, as always, everyone is supporting each other and hanging out when not skiing. Overall, we are all just such good friends that it often overpowers the competition.”

Future Goals

What are your goals for future competitions?

 “I would like to start skiing open eventually and win some more US or Canadian Opens.”

How do you plan to build on your experience from this event?

“I plan to take my friendships and bonds from it to continue further socially. With this event, it has opened many doors for me with sponsors and other opportunities.”

Are there any specific competitions or milestones you are aiming for next?

“None in particular. I have finished the big ones in the spring that I was dreaming of since a kid. From here, I think I would enjoy skiing in some pro events eventually.”

Final Thoughts

From her rigorous training regimen or to the emotional highs and lows of the competition, Solie has shown remarkable dedication and resilience. Her performance at the Masters Qualifying Water Ski & Wakeboard Tournament, where she not only qualified for the Jr. Masters, but also secured a spot on the podium is a testament to her hard work and passion for the sport. Solie’s success is a proud milestone in her young career. Her story serves as a powerful reminder that with perseverance, support, and a love for the sport, extraordinary achievements are within reach. We at Learn Water Sports eagerly anticipate her future accomplishments and the continued progression of her professional journey.

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