How did you decide to attend W&L?
I liked that it was a school where I could ride but also where I could balance that with school and college life. I also like that it was a smaller school where you can really experience everything W&L and Lexington have to offer.
What is your favorite W&L memory?
Oh wow, too many to name. I met so many incredible people at W&L and had such great experiences.
What role did your athletic experience play in your overall collegiate experience?
Having grown up competing and traveling for the sport, I appreciated that at W&L, I had a better balance of riding, school and everything college has to offer. I appreciate that the team gave me the opportunity to meet people I may not have met otherwise, and to be a part of varsity athletics at the collegiate level. When everything is so new in college, it was comforting to be part of a team where we all had a common bond and goal.
How did competing as a student-athlete prepare you for life after college?
The student-athlete program really taught me about work-life balance. I wanted to succeed with riding, in academics and enjoy college life and that took some learning and adjusting. Also with the equestrian team, the squad was made up of people competing at different levels so it really was an atmosphere of being supportive and helping each other towards that common goal.
Who are some people from your time at Washington and Lee who have had the biggest impact/influence on you? Why?
Amy Reistrup, my coach senior year, had a huge impact on my life. She was supportive of my riding but also, when I said I wanted to move to New York City after college, she was right behind me with encouragement. I also remain in touch with many teammates and, while we may not see each other often, I feel like they are always so supportive and I feel lucky to have them as friends. There are also many professors including Dr. Woodzicka, who I did a summer internship with, who made the academic experience special.
How has the experience for women competing in athletics changed since you first set foot on the W&L campus (at W&L or in general)?
Equestrian is actually the only Olympic sport where men and women compete against each other equally and from my experience, I feel like W&L was a supportive atmosphere for women competing in athletics and many of our women’s teams were very successful. However in the wider landscape of women competing in sports, we are all very aware of the disparity and pay gaps women have been facing. It is great that these issues are being raised and that women athletes are gaining more attention for their success, but there is still so far to go on that front.
Tell us a bit about what life is like for you now? What are you up to professionally and personally?
I actually work professionally in equestrian sport, but now on the operations and event side rather than competing. I feel fortunate to keep working with the sport and with something I am passionate about, and I have gotten to travel and work at some amazing events including the Tokyo Olympics in 2021 and the Pan-American Games in Lima in 2019. I am based in Washington, D.C., though I travel quite a bit and ride when I still can!
What is your proudest accomplishment since leaving Washington and Lee?
Being able to accomplish what I have on the event side of equestrian and getting to work at the Tokyo Olympics last year.
Do you stay connected with W&L and if so, how?
With traveling so much, I have not been able to attend as many W&L events as I would like. That being said, I stay connected through friends and fellow alumni.
What advice would you give to students that are just beginning their W&L athletics experience?
For many, college is really the last time you have time to participate in the sport on a team at that level. Enjoy it, enjoy being part of the team, but also the whole experience that comes with being a college athlete. Remember that it isn’t everything, and to find balance and enjoy college life and pay attention to classes, as well. And remember that there are so many jobs in sports – even if you are not a top athlete that plays professionally, there are still so many opportunities to continue working in the sport. |
