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Molly McLaughlin 2026 New Hire

Generals Hire Molly McLaughlin as Assistant Equestrian Coach

8/4/2026 11:00:00 AM

LEXINGTON, Va. — Washington and Lee University has announced the hiring of Molly McLaughlin as an assistant coach for the Generals equestrian program. McLaughlin will begin her duties on Aug. 24.

McLaughlin joins the Generals after three seasons coaching in the Intercollegiate Horse Shows Association (IHSA), including the past two seasons as an assistant coach at Wofford College following a season as head coach at the University of South Carolina Aiken. She reunites with Washington and Lee Head Coach Chris Mitchell, who coached McLaughlin during her collegiate riding career at Randolph College.

"I am excited to have Molly joining our staff and to have the opportunity to work with her again," said Mitchell. "Having coached Molly as a student-athlete, I know firsthand the work ethic, horsemanship and leadership she brings to our program. As an All-ODAC rider, an IHSA National Champion and multiple-time regional and zone champion, she understands what it takes to compete at a high level. That experience will be invaluable to our student-athletes, and I can't wait to welcome her to campus."

At Wofford, McLaughlin assisted with all aspects of the Terriers' IHSA program, including organizing practices, coaching riders during competition, assisting with horse selection and horse-and-rider pairings, mentoring student-athletes, supporting recruiting efforts, and coordinating team travel and show-day logistics.

Prior to joining the Wofford staff, McLaughlin served as head coach at the University of South Carolina Aiken during the 2023-24 season. In that role, she organized practices, coached student-athletes during competitions, evaluated rider performance, assisted with horse preparation and management, and helped cultivate a positive team culture through recruiting and student-athlete mentorship.

Beyond her collegiate coaching experience, McLaughlin has built an extensive background in horse training and barn management. She currently serves as barn manager for Meghan Perry Eventing in Aiken, S.C., overseeing the daily operations of a 20-plus horse training facility, including horse care, scheduling, veterinary and farrier coordination, staff supervision and facility management. Before assuming that role, she spent nearly five years as a rider and assistant trainer at DFG Stables, where she helped manage the training, conditioning and care of more than 80 horses while preparing riders and horses for lessons and competition.

McLaughlin brings more than 20 years of riding experience and 15 years working in high-performance training, lesson and competition programs. Entering her fourth season coaching collegiate equestrian student-athletes, she has developed experience in rider instruction, horse selection and preparation, competition management, horse welfare and the day-to-day operations of successful equestrian programs.

At Washington and Lee, McLaughlin will assist Mitchell with all aspects of the Generals' equestrian program, including coaching and developing student-athletes for both IHSA and NCEA competition, recruiting, practice planning, horse management and competition operations.

"Helping students develop as riders and individuals is one of the most rewarding aspects of coaching, and I'm excited to support them throughout their collegiate experience," said McLaughlin. "I look forward to contributing to the continued success of the program."

McLaughlin also brings firsthand experience competing in the IHSA, having ridden for Mitchell at Randolph College before spending one semester competing at the University of South Carolina Aiken and returning to Randolph to complete her degree. During her collegiate riding career, she earned All-ODAC honors in 2018 after winning the IHSA Regional title in Novice Fences and helping Randolph capture its first ODAC Championship in 13 years. She followed that with an IHSA Regional Reserve Championship, an IHSA Zone 4 Championship and a sixth-place finish nationally in Limit Fences during the 2018-19 season. While competing at South Carolina Aiken during the 2021-22 season, McLaughlin added IHSA Regional and Zone championships before claiming the IHSA National Championship in Intermediate Fences.

McLaughlin earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in business from Randolph College in 2022.
 
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.
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