The Webster Water Ski Collective honored Barbara Greene with the 2025 Legacy Award, recognizing her lifetime of dedication, leadership, and passion for water skiing and the Webster Lake community.

“Barbara was one of the original club members and she is still a good friend to the organization,” said Ryan DesRoches, director of adaptive skiing for the Water Ski collective. 

Affectionately known as the “Dock Mother” during the 1990s era of the club, Barbara would be on hand four nights a week for coaching and training, Desroches said, adding that those were the days when parents would just drop off their teens at the lake.  She has been a been a guiding force in the local water-skiing community for more than six decades.

Barbara’s journey on the water began in 1954, when she became one of the first water skiers on Webster Lake. A lifelong resident, she quickly became a fixture in early ski shows—performing in pyramids, doubles, and solo acts with grace, strength, and showmanship that inspired generations to follow. Today the club focuses on slalom, jumps and adaptive skiing.

In the early 1990s, Barbara played a key role in reviving organized water skiing in Webster. 

“She just showed us what to do, so now we turn around and try to return the favor with the next generation of water skiers,” DesRoches said. She also was instrumental in rasing funds to one again place a water ski jump on Webster Lake.

As a show director and board member throughout the 1990s and 2000s, she helped shape the club’s identity and culture, leading with enthusiasm, creativity, and a deep love for teamwork. In DesRoches’ memory,  Barbara was like the tenth player on a baseball team, always there, always helping, but never claiming credit or attention.

Barbara also stands at the heart of the Greene family legacy—the first three-generation family associated with the Webster ski club. Her son Robbie, and grandchildren Randy and Chelsea, continue to carry forward the passion and dedication that Barbara instilled.

Even after stepping back from active skiing, Barbara remained ever-present—cheering from the dock, spotting from the boat, offering instruction, and mentoring young members. 

A devoted historian and storyteller, Barbara also maintains a mini ski museum at her home on Union Point, filled with vintage skis and memorabilia from the sport’s earliest days on Webster Lake. Every piece tells a story, and Barbara shares them with infectious enthusiasm.

Today, she can still be found enjoying the lake she loves—boating, swimming, or even jet skiing with her grandchildren.

“Barbara’s legacy is woven into the very fabric of our club,” said the Leonardo Topa, the club’s president. 

The 2025 Legacy Award was officially presented at the Webster Water Ski Collective’s Annual Banquet on October 17, at Point Breeze in Webster. 

“In a lot of ways, this award is 30 years too late,” DesRoches said. “We wanted to tell Barbara we  appreciate you and say thank you for everything you did.”