Dec. 11, 2008

BLYTHEWOOD, S.C. – Hunter Seat standout Kimberly McCormack (Clermont, N.J.) has signed to join the South Carolina equestrian program in the 2009-10 season, Gamecock head coach Boo Major announced. McCormack won both the 2007 USEF and ASPCA Maclay Finals championships.

“We are extremely excited to have someone of Kimmy’s caliber coming to South Carolina in the fall,” Major said. “Not only is she an accomplished rider, but she excels in the classroom as well.”

McCormack has won eight finals and circuit championships since 2007, including her two first place showings at the USEF and Maclay Finals. She is also a two-time Winter Equestrian Festival Junior Jumper Circuit champion, taking the circuit on different horses both years. In 2008, she took first at the Kathy Scholl Equitation Classic, won the Vermont Summer Festival Circuit championship in Large Junior Hunters and was named Junior Jumper Champion at the Washington International Horse Show. The leading Junior Jumper Rider at the Devon National Horse and Pony Show, she also won the Shalano Style of Riding Award at the Washington International Horse Show in addition to taking second at the George H. Morris Excellence in Equitation Classic.

Four of her championships came in a 2007 season where her strong performance led to her horse, Nigel S, earning the USEF Junior Jumper Horse of the Year award. She also took first Kathy School Equitation Classic this year as well, in addition to second place finishes at the Wolfer Estate Equitation Derby and the Zone 2 Maclay Regionals. McCormack also placed fourth at the USET Talent Search Finals.

McCormack attends Wildwood Catholic School and is trained by Missy Clark. Her parents are Carter and Alison McCormack.