Layla Choate Selected to Compete at Arizona Sun Circuit Shootout

Jan. 21, 2014

COLUMBIA, S.C. – University of South Carolina junior Layla Choate has been selected to compete in the Sun Circuit Shootout on Sunday, Feb. 2 in Scottsdale, Ariz., it was announced today. Choate, along with seven other riders from the college ranks, will compete in a collegiate reining competition sponsored by the Arizona Quarter Horse Association.

“This is a great opportunity for Layla to compete on the national stage and we’re excited for her,” South Carolina head coach Boo Major said. “She’s had a great season so far, and she’s certainly earned this opportunity for herself, and we know she’ll go out there and give it her all.”

Through eight meets this season, Choate leads the reining team with a 7-1 record, the most fall wins ever by any Gamecock reiner. She also has a pair of MVP wins against Kansas State and South Dakota State. Choate was named SEC Rider of the Month for November, her first conference award of the season.

The Gamecocks are back in action on Saturday, Feb. 1, when Carolina travels to Las Cruces, N.M. to compete against No. 4 New Mexico State. After the meet against the Aggies, Choate will travel to the Sun Circuit Shootout with associate head coach/western coach Ruth Sorrel.

The Sun Circuit Shootout featuring collegiate student-athletes is a new addition to Arizona Sun Circuit in 2014.

Sun Circuit Shootout Participants
Katherine Berg, Baylor
Marilyn Brandt, West Texas A&M
Taylor Brown, Fresno State
Layla Choate, South Carolina
Austin Griffith, Ohio State
Brynn Larson, New Mexico State
Darby Mailhot, Delaware State
Raivenne Scott, South Dakota State