June 14, 2011

COLUMBIA, S.C. – Collette McNell has been hired as the barn manager for the South Carolina equestrian program, head coach Boo Major announced today. McNell comes to South Carolina after a five-year stint as the director of the Blowing Rock Charity Horse Show Foundation in Blowing Rock, N.C.

A graduate of Edinboro University in northwestern Pennsylvania, McNell is a third-generation worker in the equestrian field. Her most recent stint in Blowing Rock involved managing a facility with over 464 stalls, housing boarders, teaching lessons, and managing USEF “A” rated horse shows. She has over 20-years of experience in the equestrian field, most of which has been in various managerial positions.

“We want to welcome Collette and her daughter, Marley, to the Gamecock family,” Major said. “I don’t think we could have found someone more qualified and well suited for our barn manager position. She will bring her wealth of knowledge of horse care and farm management to our program that will definitely benefit us all.”

McNell will be moving to Blythewood with her 11-year old daughter Marley. As South Carolina’s barn manager, McNell will be responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations at One Wood Farm. She will also manage the facility, supervise the care of the horses, and the barn staff.

“I’m very excited to be joining the Gamecock family,” McNell said. “This will be my first experience working in collegiate riding, but I’ve always known South Carolina as one of the best equestrian programs in the entire country. One Wood Farm is the top facility of any college and I am looking forward to working with our wonderful barn staff.”

McNell replaces Allison Orvin, who left the program in May to pursue a field in public relations.