By Jack Burden

EL CENTRO, Calif. — The University of Louisiana at Lafayette’s Ragin’ Cajuns Water Ski Team has done it again.

With another commanding performance at the NCWSA National Championships at Imperial Lakes, UL Lafayette captured its sixth consecutive Division 1 national title — and 12th overall — extending an unbeaten streak that began in 2019. The run now stands as the second-longest winning streak in tournament history, trailing only the University of Louisiana at Monroe’s nine straight titles from 1980 to 1988.

Led by Kennedy Hansen, who swept all three women’s events to claim the overall title, the Cajuns showcased their trademark depth and precision. Dominic Kuhn, Alexander Gschiel, and Florian Parth all finished inside the top five in men’s overall, while Violeta Mociulsky, Kate Pinsonneault, and Megan Pelkey anchored the women’s side with multiple podium finishes.

Beyond the scores, this year’s Nationals captured everything that makes collegiate water skiing unique. More than 330 skiers from 24 schools competed in El Centro, filling the shorelines with team chants, music, and an infectious energy rarely seen at traditional water ski events. The weekend delivered world-class performances — from an all-10.25m (41-off) men’s slalom podium to a dramatic jump-off finale — but it was the sense of community that defined the tournament.

For the Cajuns, the victory extends one of the most dominant eras in collegiate sports, and for the sport itself, it was another reminder that the heart of water skiing still beats loudest when the youth show up.