Dec. 30, 2015

COLUMBIA, S.C. – A pair of former University of South Carolina equestrians were named to TheBigSpur’s Top-20 Gamecocks of 2015, it was announced last week. Former Gamecocks Katherine Schmidt and Amber Henter both earned spots on the list. Henter is No. 18 on this year’s list, while Schmidt was ranked No. 11.

“It’s a big recognition for both Amber and Katherine and they’re very deserving of it,” South Carolina head coach Boo Major said. “The University of South Carolina had a very successful 2015 in terms of what all of our athletic programs accomplished, and I know both of them are honored to be recognized for what they did during their senior seasons. We had a very special season with our national championship in April, and Amber and Katherine both played major roles in our team’s success.”

Henter, who was team captain last season for a program record third year, earned First Team All-America honors by the National Collegiate Equestrian Association (NCEA) in equitation over fences. She posted a 23-6-1 record in hunt seat action last season, including a near perfect 14-2-1 record in equitation over fences. In the Gamecocks’ national championship victory over No. 1 Georgia, she went 2-for-2 for Carolina, winning her points in equitation on the flat and equitation over fences.

Henter graduated in May with a degree in hospitality management.

Schmidt was named to the list after going 24-8-2 in her final season as a Gamecock. The Connecticut native posted a 14-3 record in equitation over fences, earning her First Team All-America honors by the NCEA for the fourth time in her career. In the Gamecocks’ 10-6 victory over Baylor on April 18, Schmidt went 2-for-2 against the Bears, earning her 100th and 101st career victories, making her the NCEA’s all-time career leader in victories.

Schmidt graduated in May with degrees in marketing and management.

For TheBigSpur’s complete list of the Top-20 Gamecocks in 2015, click here.