Santa Cruz, CA--Reigning Women’s Overall World Champion water skier Regina Jaquess just capped off the 2006 tournament season in classic Jaquess style, claiming the championship titles for both women’s slalom and jumping at the 2006 U.S. Open, which was held at the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida, September 15-17. Jaquess was also recently nominated for 2006 Women's Sports Foundation “Sportswoman of the Year Award.” The winner of the award will be announced at the Annual Salute to Women in Sports Awards Dinner on October 16, at the Waldorf Astoria in New York.
With a collection of 70 international medals, 40 national records, and dozens of awards to her name, Jaquess, 22, is one of the most accomplished water ski athletes in the world.
The Atlanta, Georgia native got her start with water skiing at the age of three before she had even learned to swim. Watching her older sister compete in tournaments sparked Jaquess’ own competitive edge. She began competing herself at the age of five, and by age eight, she set her first national record in slalom. At age 14, she begged her parents over dinner in a restaurant one night to let her live with her coach, Cory Pickos, and his family in Destin, Florida, so that she could devote herself to training. Her parents, though they had been competitive water skiers themselves, were reluctant to allow their daughter to move five-and-a-half hours away. Finally they relented. They told her that she ever let her grades fall, they’d take skiing away from her, but the straight-A student never let them down. Jaquess is now in her second year of the Doctor of Pharmacy program at the University of Louisiana-Monroe.
“Regina continues to amaze us with her athletic and academic accomplishments,” said Girls4Sport president Kim Ruby. “She’s an exemplary role model for other young women.”
In addition to Girls4Sport, Jaquess is sponsored by MasterCraft Boats, GOODE Skis, Chevrolet, GM Vortec Engines, Pickos World Ski Center, Bowflex, Indmar Marine, BUNKAPS, Performance Ski & Surf, Speedo, Wiley's Bindings, Intensity, MasterLine, Smith Optics, Indo Board and Red Bar.
About Girls4Sport
Girls4Sport is dedicated to creating performance clothing with the female body in mind. Girls4Sport's line includes rashguard sets designed for women by women with super comfy SPF 65-rated fabrics, built-in shelf bras, out of the ordinary prints, and flattering fits. In addition to its products, Girls4Sport has established the Girls4Sport Foundation, a charitable arm of Girls4Sport to support organizations and programs that provide girls of all ages with the support and inspiration to lead active, confident lives. Girls4Sport products are distributed through a variety of retail outlets and online. For more information about Girls4Sport products and team riders, please visit www.girls4sport.com or call 831.423.8755.
###
