Dec. 15, 2008

BLYTHEWOOD, S.C. – South Carolina equestrian coach Boo Major has announced the signing of Kyla West to a national letter of intent to join the Gamecocks in the 2009-10 season. West is a Hunter Seat rider from Carmel Valley, Calif.

“Kyla has a beautiful position that caught my eye the first time I saw her ride,” Major said. “I think she will be able to help us be stronger on the flat and over fences.”

West recently claimed first in the NorCal Equitation 15-17 division in addition to placing third in the Pacific Coast Horse Show Association (PCHA) 15-17 division that includes all of California. West claimed first in the NorCal Junior Jumper division in 2008 and also won Low Junior Jumper in Region 2. She placed fourth in the NorCal Medal finals and has top 10 finishes in the California Professional Horsemen’s Association (CPHA) and West Coast Equestrian (WCE) Medal finals. She also has a top 15 finish in the USET Medal finals.

West attends Robert Louis Stevenson School and is trained by Samantha Scanlan. Her parents are Eric and Valinda West.