July 12, 2011

COLUMBIA, S.C. – South Carolina junior Kim McCormack (Kimberly McCormack) finished second in the USHJA International Hunter Derby at the 34th annual Intercat, Inc. I Love New York Horse Show, held in Lake Placid, N.Y.

McCormack, riding her 16.2h, chestnut gelding, Sundance, earned a score of 367.000. She finished behind winner Scott Stewart, who scored 381.500 points.

“I’m very proud of Kim for her strong showing at the Hunter Derby. Kim and Sundance are a phenomenal pair,” South Carolina head coach Boo Major said. “They have a very special relationship that seems to get better each time they compete together.”

McCormack is a rising junior who has led the Gamecocks in wins in both of her first two seasons at South Carolina. As a sophomore in 2010-2011, McCormack posted 17 wins, eight of which came during post-season competition. She tallied a team-high seven MVP awards, and was named the 2011 AgSouth Female Athlete of the Year at the University of South Carolina. McCormack also was named to the 2011 SEC Academic Honor Roll, and was named to the University of South Carolina’s President’s List (signifying a perfect 4.0 GPA).

As a freshman, she posted 15 wins while being named MVP at the 2010 Varsity Equestrian National Championships, the highest individual honor a rider can receiver. She was also named to the 2010 SEC Freshmen Academic Honor Roll.

“Kim has played a big role in building our Hunt Seat team back up over the past two years, and without question has been one of the country’s top riders,” Major said. “We have a more veteran group of riders on the Hunt Seat side this year, and Kim will be a big part of our goal to win a third national championship this season.”

The Gamecocks begin their 2011-2012 season on Friday, Sept. 23 against Fresno State at One Wood Farm in Blythewood. The time for the competition has not yet been set.