June 30, 2006

COLUMBIA, S.C. – South Carolina head equestrian coach Boo Duncan landed another addition to her 2006 roster as Nicole Bourgeois from Sherwood, Ore. committed to the Gamecocks. Bourgeois, a two-time USEF champion, is ranked second in the country in Large Junior Hunters (16-17) and was named the Grand Circuit Champion Junior Hunter 16-17 at Indio.

“Nicole is a product of the same trainers (Jeff and Shelley Campf) that Tara Brothers worked with in high school,” said Coach Duncan. “I am confident that Nicole has been given an excellent riding background that will help her succeed at equestrian in college. Her resume speaks for itself and we are excited to have Nicole become a part of our team next year. She should excel in both equitation on the flat and equitation over fences, and should have an immediate impact on our team.”

The Circuit Reserve Champion in Equitation, 16-17, she qualified for the USEF medal and Maclay finals. In 2005, she was the USEF Zone 9 Large Hunter 16-17 champion and the Medal champion. A Maclay Regional Champion, Bourgeois was also the Oregon hunter Jumper Association Junior Hunter Champion.

Bourgeois attended Sherwood High School and was a Zone 9 WCHR Junior Hunter rider.