A decorated trio of Aquanuts on Team USA

Ariana Koehler, a nationally ranked barefoot skier, competes for Aquanuts in the Mercury Open held in Janesville (Photo Courtesy of Lisa Neal/The Report).
Ariana Koehler, a nationally ranked barefoot skier, competes for Aquanuts in the Mercury Open held in Janesville (Photo Courtesy of Lisa Neal/The Report).

Koehlers, Krieger continue garnering honors

By Jason Arndt
Staff Writer

While the Aquanuts season heats up along Lake Mary in Twin Lakes, three performers are not only prepared to defend the team’s Division 1 National Show Ski Association title, but also to represent Team USA in the World Tournament.

The International Waterski and Wakeboard Federation World Tournament, composed of five nations, is scheduled September 10-11 in Wisconsin Rapids and held every other year.

The trio consisting of Ariana and Kailey Koehler, both nationally-ranked barefoot skiers, and accomplished swivel performer Kendall Krieger were part of the World Champion Team USA squad in 2014.

Kailey, 20, who ranked No. 1 in barefoot skiing in 2015, said it is an honor.

“We are all on Team USA, and are looking forward to represent our country,” said Kailey, a three-time member of the squad with her 21-year-old sister, Ariana.

According to Aquanuts Show Director Justin Mushel, representing Team USA takes teamwork, dedication and a list of accomplishments to make the team.

“What they do for that tournament is you have to apply to be a member of Team USA,” Mushel said. “They look at your credentials and they choose you based on your credentials.”

The credentials of all three are lengthy, which include Krieger’s 2014 season where she collected several awards on state and national levels.

In 2014, Krieger, now 19 years old, captured both the Wisconsin State and National Swivel titles, firsts in Aquanuts history.

Krieger notched a first in Aquanut history, winning the Willa Cook Award, given to Outstanding Female Skier on the national stage.

Accolades did not stop with Krieger, however, with the Koehlers snagging several awards and top finishes since 2012.

After Ariana received the 2012 Jennifer Dibble-Woods/Michelle Cook Award, Kailey picked up where she left off, winning the two of the next three, sandwiched by Krieger, who won in 2014.

The Woods/Cook Award is given to outstanding skier at the state level.

In 2014, where the Koehlers and Krieger were part of Team USA, Kailey notched another first in Aquanut history for most valuable female performer of Team USA.

Mushel said their additions extend beyond accomplishments, crediting their strong teamwork and how well they portray the Aquanuts.

“It is not just about your skiing, it is about being a good teammate and how you represent your club and what you have done for show skiing,” he added. “It’s a big honor.”

Ariana agreed, stating her sister and Kendall always step up to the plate when needed.

“Kendall is an amazing person here, we absolutely appreciate having her for the team and Kailey is a great bare footer, and does other things, so it’s great to have versatility on the team,” Ariana said. “They are everywhere they need to be at the drop of the hat.”

The Koehlers, originally from Wauconda, have been part of the Aquanuts for the last 15 years and attend Concordia University in Mequon, where both compete for the track team.

Currently, the sisters reside in Lake Geneva with their parents, Bob and Kami, also members of the Aquanuts.

Krieger, of Lake Forest, Ill. has been an Aquanut since 2002, is a student at Southern Methodist University.

Three members of the Aquanuts team will represent Team USA in a World Tournament held in September: Kendall Krieger, Kailey Koehler and Ariana Koehler (Jason Arndt/The Report).
Three members of the Aquanuts team will represent Team USA in a World Tournament held in September: Kendall Krieger, Kailey Koehler and Ariana Koehler (Jason Arndt/The Report).

Decorated Trio
The Aquanut trio has collectively captured the Jennifer Dibble-Woods/Michelle Cook Award, given to Most Outstanding Female Skier at the State Tournament, in the last four years.
Kendall Krieger is the first Aquanut to win the Willa Cook Award for most outstanding skier at the national level

Ariana Koehler, 21
Team USA Representative: 2012, 2014 (Title), 2016
Jennifer Dibble-Woods/Michelle Cook Award: 2012
Junior Girls Barefoot Ski World Champion: 2012
Barefoot Ranking: No. 3 in USA (2015)
Barefoot Circle Act: Highest score in state with Kailey Koehler, Collin Barber (2014, 2015)

Kailey Koehler, 20
Team USA Representative: 2014 (Title), 2016
Team USA: Most Valuable Female Performer (2014)
Jennifer Dibble-Woods/Michelle Cook Award: 2013, 2015
American Barefoot Center: 2015 Female Athlete of the Year
Barefoot Ranking: No. 1 in USA, No. 3 in the World
Barefoot Circle Act: Highest score in state with Kailey Koehler, Collin Barber (2014, 2015)

Kendall Krieger, 19
Team USA Representative: 2014, 2016
State Swivel Ski: 2014 (Champion), 2012 (2nd)
National Swivel Ski: 2014 Champion
Jennifer Dibble-Woods/Michelle Cook Award: 2014
Willa Cook Award: 2014


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