Athlete of the Week: Kirsten Hannabass

Lakewood Ranch High alumna Kirsten Hannabass finished sixth in the Swivel at the 37th Division 1 Show Ski National Championship Aug. 12-14, in Janesville, Wis. The Sarasota Ski A Rees Water Ski Show team member, who will be a freshman at the University of Central Florida, also finished third in Adiago Doubles with teammate Jeff Maglione. Here is an inside look at this week’s Athlete of the Week.

How do you think you did at the national championships?

We did a lot better than we thought we would do. For the category where I got sixth, I wanted to drop out, but my parents wouldn’t let me. I was really nervous, because thought I would fall a lot, but I didn’t.

What do you enjoy the most about water skiing?
The people. I spend the weekend with my family. My boyfriend of more than a year and my best friends, who are like my brothers and sisters, do it.

Of the different events that you do, which is your favorite?
I like the doubles, because I have someone there to rely on and the attention is not just on me. I like having someone there help me get over the nerves.

How did you get into water skiing?
My dad had a boat, and my neighbors had boat, so we would go out and tube, and then my neighbor decided to teach us how to ski. Once I learned everything in the river there was to learn by myself, I went and joined team to learn other stuff.

Do you have any siblings?
I have a sister, Samantha, who is 16 years old.

If you could go anywhere in the world, where would it be?
Europe. I’ve always wanted to go there, mainly Italy, for the history of it.

Do you have a favorite TV show?
“Pretty Little Liars.” It’s my bonding time with my sister.

Who is your biggest role model?
I look up to everybody, especially a lot of people on my team. They all teach me stuff.

Do you have a favorite food?
My dad owns an Italian restaurant, so anything Italian except pizza. I kind of get sick of that.

If you could do any other sport, what would it be?
Kite boarding. I see them next to the (Sunshine) Skyway all the time, and it looks really cool. I would like to do that.