Congratulations to Kayla McClure recipient of the 2024 OWSA Distinguished Service Award

Kayla Herstad is a member of the Pleasant Shores waterski club. She started skiing at the age of 2 and competing at the age of 5. She currently holds the Ohio state jump records for girls 3, 4, 5, as well as women's 2. She earned the National jump title in both 2021 and 2022. Her personal bests include 2 @35 in slalom, 3590 points in trick, and 124 feet in jump. Kayla competed at the collegiate level at Ball State University. Where she earned the Midwest Female Rookie of the Year award her freshman year and the Midwest Most Valuable skier award her senior year. She still holds the Great Lakes slalom record at 2 @ 35 off. While in college she earned her bachelor's degree in early childhood education. She is currently the lead PreK teacher at Southwick Elementary School.

Kayla is a key member of Pleasant Shores club helping to run the 3 event and collegiate tournaments. She replaces buoys, adjusts the jump and does countless before and after tournament duties. The success of the Pleasant Shores tournaments would not be the same without Kayla's talent and effort. Kayla continues to remain an active competitor in all three events as well as a rated regular judge, scorer, regional safety and trained driver.  This year, 2024, Kayla is serving as an appointed judge at the Midwest Regionals in Wilmington, IL

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