THE NEXT RIDE: Megan Overberg
May 18, 2018
THE NEXT RIDE ââ’¬” Megan Overberg
With the 2017-18 season now complete, it’s time for the Gamecocks to bid farewell to 11 incredible seniors who have each impacted the Carolina program in their own special way. But for these 11 women, the end of their collegiate careers marks the beginning of a new journey, where each of them will make their mark on the world. GamecocksOnline.com is proud to present The Next Ride, spotlighting each senior’s time at Carolina and looking ahead to the next chapter of their lives. Today’s Q&A features Megan Overberg.
Graduation Date, Degree, Major(s):
May 11, 2018 – Bachelor of Science from the Arnold School of Public Health ââ’¬” Exercise Science (major)
What was your hardest class at Carolina?
EXSC 530
How did you pick your major?
I originally started as a biology major. I decided I was more interested in studying people then studying plants, thus I changed to exercise science. Exercise science allowed me to learn about human anatomy and the body’s response to exercise as well as different aspects of public health.
How did the Carolina Equestrian family help you during your academic career?
The Carolina Equestrian family helped me during my academic career by providing me with tutors and access to what I needed to be successful.
How did the Carolina Equestrian family help with your post-college career?
The Carolina Equestrian family helped me with my post-college career by providing me access to the tools to be successful during undergrad. Also, when I was going through all my interviews for graduate school my coaches were very supportive of the process and the days I had to travel for the interviews.
What competition will you remember most from your time as a Carolina Equestrian student-athlete?
The competition I will remember the most is the 2015 National Championship. Winning nationals is something I will never forget. It’s something that is rare and special and many good teams don’t get to experience it. I can remember being really close going into the last event and as our team rose to the challenge and clinched the victory, it made me so proud to be part of this team. We had a low point during and after the SEC Championship that year, but our team really pulled together before nationals. It was really inspiring to watch how as a team we overcame our struggles, pulled together, and became victorious.
What’s the one phrase you’ll remember most from Coach Sorrel?
There our two phrases I will remember from Coach Sorrel. Coachie often times asked us during practice what was good. Whenever we would get close to having a meet, I would say my good thing was meet day. This then became a common phrase between Coachie and I. On the morning of the meets, I would look at Coachie and ask her what day it was. She then would respond with a very excited “MEEEEET DAYYYYYYY!” It got us both pumped up and ready to go for the day.
The other phrase I will remember from Coach Sorrel, was one she said to me every time I went into the ring. After she finished all her coaching advice she would always say “have FUN.” I loved hearing this before I went in, because it always brought my perspective back in check. No matter what horse I was on, what the score was, or who was judging, in that moment none of it really mattered. It always reminded me why I was riding, because at the end of the day I was doing what I loved. I love competing. Hearing “have fun” always reminded me to enjoy the few minutes I had in ring and just to be my best.
What do you plan on doing after graduation?
After graduation I will be pursuing my Doctorate in Optometry at the Ohio State University.
What’s your advice for young riders interested in joining the Carolina Equestrian program?
My advice for young riders interested in joining the Carolina Equestrian program is to come to Columbia and visit. When you look at the schools on paper, a lot of them seem nice. However, the University of South Carolina has an amazing, beautiful campus that really feels like home. One Wood Farm is one of the prettiest collegiate farms, and taking the time to visit really will make you fall in love. No matter what kind of day you are having, when you pull into the farm, the atmosphere is peaceful. The people are great, and the University of South Carolina Equestrian team becomes like family. Cherish the people you meet because some of them will become lifelong friends.
