Dec. 11, 2006

COLUMBIA, S.C. – South Carolina equestrian corralled in-state talent as head coach Boo Duncan announced the signing of Luci Laffitte from Beaufort, for the 2007-08 season. The lone hunt seat signee of the fall period for the Gamecocks, Laffitte was the 2005 SCHJA Palmetto Finals Winner.

A senior at Beaufort High School, Laffitte has already qualified for 2006 Maclay Southeast Regionals and USEF/Pessoa Medal. She won the SCHJA “A” Circuit 15-17 Equitation Year End Reserve Champion and in the NCHJA, Laffitte qualified for EJ Haun Finals and was named the 15-17 “A” Circuit Equitation Year End Reserve Champion. In 2005, Laffitte finished fourth at the SC Governor’s Cup Finals and qualified and competed in the Southeast Maclay Regionals and in the USEF Medal finals. She was also named SCHJA Best Child Rider on a Horse and SCHJA “A” Circuit 15-17 Equitation Reserve Champion.

“We are so excited to have Luci as a Gamecock,” said Duncan. “It is always a good thing to keep good equestrian riders in state when they go to college. We are fortunate that Luci has chose USC because she is one of the top hunt seat riders in our state and is also an excellent student. She should have a solid impact for us in equitation on the flat and with her experience over fences.”

Also in 2005, Laffitte was the PSJ Medal Finals Winner, NCHJA 15-17 Equitation Champion, PSJ Regular Working Hunter Champion and Reins and Manes Rider of the Year. She won the SCHJA Sportsmanship Award in 2004, along with placing second at the SCHJA Governor’s Cup Finals.

A PIB Exemplary Student and National Honor Society member, Laffitte is the daughter of Norris and Mary and is trained by Missy Rhodes. There are currently two South Carolina natives on the equestrian team. The addition of Laffitte would make it three.