Five Gamecocks Named NCEA All-Americans
WACO, TX – Five Gamecock Equestrians have been named Ariat All-Americans, as announced by the NCEA on Tuesday. The five are the most to receive the honors since six in the 2019-20 season.
NATALIE JAYNE - FLAT - FIRST TEAM
Junior Natalie Jayne had an excellent year on the Flat, tallying a 12-3-0 record through the end of March. Jayne has earned five MOPs throughout the season, bringing her career total to 13, which has set the new program record with at least one more meet to go. Her 94 against Sweet Briar (Nov. 15) tied the record for the highest Flat score in program history, and she earned 10 wins against top-10 ranked opponents this season,n including going undefeated in the SEC Championship and earning All-Tournament honors. Jayne was a two-time SEC Flat Rider of the Month, as well as an NCEA Flat Rider of the Month.
This is first All-America honor for Jayne.
AMIRA KETTANEH - FLAT, FENCES - SECOND TEAM
Freshman Amira Kettaneh turned into a standout for the Gamecocks on the Jumping Seat squad as a rookie, earning nine wins in Fences and nine on the Flat. In Fences, Kettaneh picked up seven wins against ranked opponents, and five MOPs along the way. Her five MOP honors set a new program for the most as a freshman in the event. Kettaneh had the highest Fences score of the season for South Carolina (90 vs. No. 1 Auburn, Oct. 11), and was an SEC All-Tournament Team selection after picking up a point and MOP in the championship meet.
On the Flat, Kettaneh earned two MOPs, scored a season-high of 92 for the second-highest Flat score of the season, was named the SEC Flat Rider of the Month (March), and went undefeated at SECs (1-0-1).
This is the first All-America nod for Kettaneh.
MARY HUNTER MILLET - FLAT - SECOND TEAM
Mary Hunter Millet was a consistent force for the Gamecocks on the Flat, making starts in 15 meets, picking up eight wins along the way. Millet earned an MOP during the season, while also tying the program Flat record with her career-high 94 on the road against Delaware State (Sept. 27).
This is the second All-America nod for Millet.
SOPHIE MITCHELL - FLAT - HONORABLE MENTION
Sophie Mitchell made her mark on the Flat this season, earning 10 wins in 14 starts, with eight coming against top-10 ranked opponents. Mitchell defeated four conference foes, and picked up the first point of the day for the Gamecocks in the SEC Championship meet, which they ultimately won.
This is the second All-America honor for Mitchell.
HALEY TURNER - REINING - HONORABLE MENTION
Haley Turner had a standout year on the Reining squad, earning eight wins in 11 starts. Turner opened and closed the regular season with an MOP, and all eight of her victories came against ranked opponents. Her point against Texas A&M (Feb. 8) won the meet for the Gamecocks, giving them their first win over the Aggies for the first time in five years. Turner then went on to go undefeated at the SEC Championship (1-0-1), helping South Carolina earn their third title in program history.
This is the first All-America honor of Turner’s career.
