Family, Focus, and Formidable Skiing: A Summer Update from Isabela D. ’28

a student performs a trick on a waterski riding on one foot with the other in the handle in a graphic that says ep exceptional proficiency isabela d 28

Aug 18 2026

This summer, competitive waterskier Isabela D. ’28 chose to take a break from major national competitions to spend more time with her family, particularly with her sister, who heads to college this fall. “There will always be more summers full of skiing,” she shared, “but we only get a few more summers to be together as a family, and that was more important for me.”

That said, she did not forgo competition altogether, and we recently caught up with her to learn more about her recent season, her thoughts on the value of Foxcroft’s Exceptional Proficiency (EP) program, and what’s next.

How long have you been waterskiing?

I started skiing at the age of four, but it wasn’t until I was eight that I began competing, so this was my eighth summer of competitions.

Tell us a bit about your recent accomplishments.

Although I didn't compete in the big ones, I competed in many other competitions and placed high, with good scores that moved me up in the national ranks throughout the summer. I recently got back from the Regional Championships, where I won Trick and Jump, placed second in Slalom, and ended up winning overall! Jump has not always been my strongest event, so I wasn't predicted to win, but I ended up jumping a 10-foot personal best and beating the top seed. The points I accumulated from the win in Jump bumped me into first place overall, which I was super pleased with.

How has Foxcroft's EP Program supported your journey?

Foxcroft's EP Program has been extremely useful and supportive throughout my journey. I would not be where I am today without the program, which allowed me to go to Florida for four weeks in the spring to begin my training early. It was so much better going into the summer season with that early training in the spring rather than having only a few weeks to get back everything after four months of not skiing.

What has been your proudest moment (or moments) so far?

My proudest moment has probably been winning overall at Regionals. As I said before, it was a huge upset to the other competitors, but that just goes to show how much training really matters.

What's next?

Next, I finish out the season of light training, rest and recover, and get ready for the academic year. I hope to get down to Florida for a week this fall to keep up with my progress.

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