Daniela Moroz has been announced as US Sailing's 2016 Rolex Yachtswoman of the Year.
The 2016 Formula Kite world champion was born in Berkeley to Czech parents. Although she got into water sports via windsurfing, at 11 Moroz was already taking kiteboarding lessons on Sherman Island.
"I chose kiteboarding because this sport had really taken off. Soon after I began racing, the progression from raceboards to hydrofoil had started, and I followed that progression," explained Daniela Moroz.
Last year, Moroz enjoyed a stellar season. In September, the American rider conquered the Formula Kite world title after a highly-disputed finish with Elena Kalinina. In November, Daniela claimed the overall title Hydrofoil Pro Tour title after having won two of the four events.
"The Hydrofoil Pro Tour was awesome. It is one of the most amazing experiences of my life. Traveling around the world and being able to compete is a dream. The racing is a big part of it, but it's not everything. I've made some great friends along the way," added the 2016 Rolex Yachtswoman of the Year.
For 2017, Daniela Moroz hopes to do well again in the Hydrofoil Pro Tour and the Formula Kite World Championships, but she will also kick off her preparation for the Buenos Aires 2018 Summer Youth Olympic Games.
Moroz was one of the six women and eight men shortlisted for Yachtsman and Yachtswoman of the Year. The decision to highlight her career was taken by a panel of sailing media professionals. Caleb Paine, winner of the Rio 2016 Olympic bronze medal in the Finn class, is US Sailing's Rolex Yachtsman of the Year.