Schmieding to Perform National Anthem Prior to Final Four

March 30, 2017

COLUMBIA, S.C. — University of South Carolina equestrian junior Aurie Engel Schmieding will be part of a student-athlete quartet to perform the national anthem prior to the Final Four showdown between the Gamecocks and Gonzaga on Saturday evening. The game tips off at 6:09 p.m. ET, with the anthem to be performed at approximately 6 p.m. ET.

Joining Schmieding to sing the anthem are Nina Novella from Gonzaga’s women’s golf team, Taylor Agost from the Oregon volleyball program and Sarah Hanvy, a member of the North Carolina fencing squad. The anthem will be televised live on CBS, prior to the Gamecocks and Bulldogs battling it out for a spot in Monday’s National Championship Game.

“I couldn’t be more excited for the opportunity to perform the national anthem on Saturday,” Schmieding said. “This is an exciting time to be a student-athlete at South Carolina, and I am honored to play a role as the Gamecocks compete on the Final Four stage this weekend.”

“Aurie is a wonderful ambassador for the Gamecock equestrian program, and I could not be happier for her to receive this once-in-a-lifetime experience,” South Carolina head coach Boo Major said. “Our entire team will be watching with pride when she sings on Saturday, hopefully before a Gamecock win!”

Schmieding brings a wealth of musical experience to Saturday’s performance. The Summerville, S.C., native performed the anthem prior to many sporting events at her alma mater, Pinewood Prep, and she also participated in musical theatre prior to joining the Gamecock equestrian program.

UP NEXT FOR THE GAMECOCKS

The South Carolina equestrian program is in action April 13-15 at the NCEA Championship in Waco, Texas. Carolina opens the event April 13 with a first-round matchup against South Dakota State.