April 27, 2011

COLUMBIA, S.C. – South Carolina senior Hailey Thornton was named the 2010-2011 Equestrian Team MVP at this year’s Gamecock Gala. The annual end of year awards ceremony was held Monday night at Colonial Life Arena.

“We’re thrilled to see Hailey end her career here winning this award,” South Carolina head coach Boo Major said. “As a rider, we saw her get better each year she was a Gamecock, so it’s always nice for us to see a student-athlete leave South Carolina on such a high note. We appreciate everything she has done for our program and we will miss her leadership tremendously.”

Thornton, who came to South Carolina from Mishawaka, Ind., posted a career year this season. Reaching the double-digit win mark for the first time, Thornton recorded 11 victories in 2010-2011, while only losing five times. Thornton’s regular-season success carried over to postseason competition, where she went 4-1, including a 3-1 mark at the 2011 Varsity Equestrian National Championships.

Thornton will graduate next week with a degree in Retailing.