LEXINGTON, Va. - Washington and Lee University is excited to announce that it is joining the National Collegiate Equestrian Association (NCEA). The move, which provides W&L with increased opportunities to compete alongside the nation's best in the sport, will see the Division III program join as an associate member for the 2026-27 season, and become a full member with postseason eligibility beginning in the 2027-28 season.
The move expands competitive opportunities for the Generals while preserving the program's long-standing participation in the Intercollegiate Horse Shows Association (IHSA) and Old Dominion Athletic Conference (ODAC).
"The National Collegiate Equestrian Association is honored to have the Washington and Lee University equestrian program become part of the NCEA beginning in the fall of 2027," said Lynn Hickey, NCEA executive director. "W&L is recognized nationally as an outstanding academic institution with a storied athletic history. Under the leadership of athletic director Jan Hathorn, they consistently are recognized as a top tier program in the ODAC and nationally in the Learfield Director Cup standings. We are confident that the long tradition of equestrian at Washington and Lee, along with the experienced leadership of coach Chris Mitchell, will make the Generals a strong contender in NCEA Single Discipline competition."
Washington and Lee, led by second year head coach, Chris Mitchell, has a storied riding tradition, competing in the ODAC and IHSA. Since its establishment in 1999-2000, the Washington and Lee riding program has produced 15 IHSA National Championship qualifiers, nine Zone Champions, 23 Regional Champions and 67 All-ODAC honorees. As a team, the Generals have captured four championships, including three ODAC titles and the 2022 IHSA Zone 4, Region 2 Team Championship.
"We are excited that the W&L equestrian program will become a member of the National Collegiate Equestrian Association in the 2027-28 season," said the Michael F. Walsh Director of Athletics Jan Hathorn. "We believe this opportunity will showcase the excellence of our riding program regionally and nationally and enhance the opportunities of our student-athletes by enabling them to compete at the highest level of varsity equestrian competition."
The Blue and White become the association's 16th single-discipline jumping seat program and eighth NCAA Division III institution to join. During the 2026-27 associate membership year, the Generals will gain valuable experience competing in the format before becoming eligible for NCEA postseason competition in 2027-28. Mitchell is looking forward to the new challenge: "Competing in this equestrian format provides Washington and Lee with an exciting opportunity to continue growing the program and expanding our presence within the sport."
"I look forward to joining the NCEA as an associate member this year, learning the process and preparing for full competitive membership beginning in the fall of 2027. We had the opportunity to scrimmage against the University of Lynchburg this past season, and I felt our team performed very well and demonstrated that we can be competitive immediately within the ODAC. Having strong programs, such as Lynchburg and Sweet Briar College, in the conference will only help elevate our program and make us stronger competitors."
By adding NCEA competition to its schedule, the Generals will have the opportunity to compete more regularly against some of the nation's premier collegiate equestrian programs, including fellow ODAC member Lynchburg, which has captured four of the last five NCEA National Championships.
Mitchell expressed his gratitude, "I would like to thank Jan Hathorn and the entire Washington and Lee Athletics Department for their continued support and commitment in helping us reach this milestone."
The Generals will continue competing in IHSA while adding NCEA competition during the 2026-27 season before becoming fully eligible for NCEA postseason competition in 2027-28. View the upcoming equestrian schedule.
What They Are Saying:
LA28 Olympic & Paralympic Games Sport Manager for Equestrian and W&L Athletics Hall of Fame Inductee, Caitlin Lane '06
"W&L's move into the NCEA is an exciting opportunity for the program and its student-athletes. One of the things I value most about collegiate equestrian is that it gives riders the chance to participate in what is traditionally an individual sport as part of a team, helping develop important skills like teamwork, leadership, adaptability and resilience. Competing in the NCEA will provide student-athletes with exposure to a high level of competition and help attract talented riders who are looking for both a strong academic experience and the opportunity to compete at the highest collegiate level. It will strengthen the program's connections within the broader equestrian community and position the program for continued growth and success."
Southwest Virginia Hunter/Jumper Association Board Member, Laura Lemon '16
"W&L sits in one of the strongest collegiate riding areas in the country. While numerous competitive programs dot the U.S., this is a hotbed. Our student athletes benefit immensely from this rich tradition by experiencing a singular level of excellence and competition throughout the regular season, rather than just in the post-season. Over the last 10-15 years, I've seen the head-to-head format of NCEA grow to attract top junior riders, and, because of that, it has altered the national landscape of collegiate riding, with many schools offering both the NCEA and IHSA formats, including our peers. Joining the NCEA, while still remaining in the IHSA, will allow the university to stay in the midst of our region's incredible equine tradition and ensure that the next generation of student athletes benefit from the abundant competition it offers. Additionally, both formats will test and challenge the riders in different ways, ultimately helping them become better horsemen. This exciting new chapter in the riding program allows W&L to continue to attract the best and the brightest riders – ones who can compete at the highest level while also excelling in the classroom."
"It's incredibly rewarding to see the Washington and Lee equestrian program continue reaching new milestones. Having served as captain of the 2022 ODAC and Regional Championship team, I know firsthand the dedication of the riders, coaches and alumni who helped build this program. Joining the NCEA reflects that commitment and creates exciting opportunities for future generations of riders to continue raising the standard while representing W&L on a bigger stage. I wish Coach Mitchell and the entire team the very best as they begin this new chapter, and I can't wait to see all they accomplish."
"The addition of NCEA competition alongside Washington and Lee's continued commitment to IHSA represents an exciting opportunity to expand an already exceptional equestrian program. Our IHSA team has always emphasized horsemanship, sportsmanship and team success, fostering an unmatched culture of education and camaraderie. NCEA complements that foundation by providing riders with a new format of collegiate competition that encourages continued growth as teammates and horsemen. This expansion remains grounded in the values, culture and commitment to excellence that have made Washington and Lee's equestrian team so successful. An NCEA program at Washington and Lee reinforces the dedication that is already intrinsic to our student body. Balancing elite athletic competition with the academic rigor for which W&L is known is a natural reflection of the students our university attracts. Because Virginia is home to a strong and thriving equestrian community, the addition of NCEA further strengthens W&L's ability to attract talented student-athletes seeking both competitive excellence and an outstanding education."
2025 ODAC Rookie of the Year, Kaycie Miranda '29
"When I decided to join the Generals equestrian team last year, came in with limited expectations as to what my role would be in the program, but I was pleasantly surprised and excited following my contributions during the IHSA season and specifically in the ODAC Championships. I think that there are plenty of ways to grow individually and as a team, but I feel that this shift will propel the program forward to reach greater heights and to challenge our riders. Even this past year, in our scrimmage against the Lynchburg NCEA team, we took the win in the over-fences section, which demonstrated to me the potential our team has to be successful in this realm. My personal hope is to be able to contribute as much as possible to help us meet this new challenge with our very best. I also greatly appreciate Coach Mitchell's ambition and belief in our team."
About the NCEA
The National Collegiate Equestrian Association (NCEA) is a governing body over the sport of Equestrian. The NCEA, in concert with the mission and vision of the NCAA, is committed to providing collegiate opportunities for female equestrian student-athletes to compete at the highest level, while embracing equity, diversity and promoting academic and competitive excellence. The National Collegiate Equestrian Association (NCEA), a non-profit corporation, was created as a governing body to advance the sport of equestrian. The NCEA is responsible for the development and administration of equestrian rules and guidelines. Equestrian is subject to all NCAA policies and procedures in the same manner as other sports. The NCEA tests riders five riders from each team in a head-to-head competition format. Five horses are randomly selected, and assigned prior to the competition, and opposing riders will ride the same horse. The rider with the highest score in their head-to-head match wins a point for their team. The NCEA holds both Single discipline and Dual discipline competitions.
View the NCEA Website
Washington and Lee joins a distinguished roster of Institutions competing in the NCEA Single Discipline including:
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Division I: Brown, Cornell, College of Charleston, Dartmouth College, Long Island University, Sacred Heart University, Stonehill College
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Division III: Berry College (Georgia)*, Bridgewater College (Virgina)*, Centenary University, Hollins University*, University of Lynchburg*, Sweet Briar College*, The University of the South, Sewanee*
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Dual discipline: Auburn University, Baylor University, Delaware State University, Fresno State University, University of Georgia, Oklahoma State University, University of South Carolina, South Dakota State University, Southern Methodist University, Texas A&M University, Texas Christian University, University of Tennessee Martin
* Denotes institutions that compete in the Old Dominion Athletic Conference head-to-head sport sponsorship.
Nestled in the mountains of Virginia, Washington and Lee University is a proud member of NCAA Division III and the Old Dominion Athletic Conference. Founded in 1749, W&L is the ninth-oldest college in the United States and a top-ranked liberal arts university. With over 500 student-athletes in 24 varsity sports, the Generals have celebrated over 265 conference championships. Learn more about the Blue and White by visiting www.generalssports.com or on social media at @WLUGenerals.
