Auburn University Water Ski Team Claims Division II National Championship

Auburn rallies from fifth place to capture its first national title since 2005, with two student-athletes earning individual championships.

The Auburn University Water Ski Team captured the Division II national championship at the 2026 Syndicate National Collegiate Water Ski Association (NCWSA) National Championships, held October 15–17 at Bell Acqua Lakes in Rio Linda, California.

The Tigers delivered an impressive comeback over three days of competition, climbing from fifth place after the opening day to second after day two before securing the national championship on the final day. Auburn finished with 11,330 points, defeating top-seeded University of Wisconsin–La Crosse by 350 points.

The victory marks Auburn's first Division II national championship since 2005 and follows a fourth-place national finish in 2025.

Individual Champions Lead Auburn's Success

Two Auburn student-athletes claimed individual national titles. Anna Warren won the women's trick competition, while Katie Thornton captured the women's slalom championship.

Warren also earned third place in women's slalom, adding another podium finish to Auburn's championship performance. Wells Marks placed fourth in men's slalom, while Sarah Tomkinson finished fifth in the women's all-around competition.

Auburn's depth across multiple events contributed to the team's overall success. The Tigers led the Division II field in slalom with 4,540 points, placed second in trick with 3,860 points, and finished fifth in jump with 2,930 points.

The strength of Auburn's slalom performance proved particularly important, with the Tigers outscoring Wisconsin–La Crosse by 1,340 points in the event.

A Legacy Built on Competition and Community

Founded in 1974, the Auburn University Water Ski Club has provided generations of students with opportunities to develop their skills, compete nationally, and build lasting connections through a shared passion for the sport.

The club celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2024, bringing together more than 150 alumni and friends to recognize its history and the relationships formed through decades of competition. That connection between current members and alumni has helped sustain the organization through successive generations of student leadership.

In 2024, the USA Water Ski & Wake Sports Foundation also awarded Auburn a collegiate team development grant, supporting the program's continued growth and efforts to expand opportunities for student-athletes.

Today, the team welcomes students with varying levels of experience as they compete in regional and national tournaments. Members develop technical skills in slalom, trick, and jump skiing, as well as the teamwork, leadership, and commitment required to maintain a competitive collegiate program.

Continuing the Auburn Tradition

The 2026 national championship adds another chapter to the Water Ski Club's more than 50-year history. From a fourth-place national finish in 2025 to a championship comeback in 2026, the team's achievements reflect the dedication of its student-athletes and the strength of its competitive program.

As part of Auburn University Recreation and Wellness's Club Sports program, the Water Ski Team demonstrates how student-led organizations create opportunities for leadership, personal development, community, and achievement beyond the classroom.

With team and individual national championships to celebrate, Auburn's water ski student-athletes have added another milestone to a longstanding tradition of competitive excellence.

Learn more about Club Sports and opportunities to get involved through Auburn University Recreation and Wellness.