American Water Ski Educational Foundation Award of Distinction 1998

Inducted into the Florida Water Ski Federation Hall of Fame 2003

Cyndi Benzel of Groveland has been a nationally ranked competitor for more than 30 years. Benzel reached her career peak in 1981 and 1982 with back-to-back overall wins in Open Women at the Water Ski National Championships. A dominating force in Open Women during the late 1970s and early 1980s, she moved into Women 2 in 1985 and has continued to lead her divisions. Benzel has also been active in the sport as a water ski coach and a three-event judge. She continues to compete at the regional and national level.