March 14, 2014

COLUMBIA, S.C. – University of South Carolina equestrian coach Boo Major on Friday announced the signing of western rider Paige Stopperich (Pittsburgh, Pa./Peters Township High School) to a National Letter of Intent to join the Gamecocks for the 2014-2015 season. Stopperich will ride with Carolina’s western team and compete in horsemanship.

“We’re really looking forward to having Paige join us starting next season,” Major said. “Paige is a very talented rider in the All-Around and her versatility is one thing that makes her an exceptional competitor. She’s going to be a great addition for us in the horsemanship.”

Stopperich trains with Michael Colvin and Clint Ainsworth.

In 2013, Stopperich won the Equitation Championship at the American Quarter Horse Youth Association World Show. In 2012, she was on the American Quarter Horse Youth World Cup Team, and from 2011-2013, she posted three straight top-ten finishes at the AQHYA World Show. Stopperich also has won multiple Superior Awards, multiple AQHA All-Around Awards, and multiple AQHA Youth Championships.

Showing at the All American Quarter Horse Congress, Stopperich has won multiple championships, including the 12-14 Showmanship and the 11 and Under All-Around. Along with her congress championships, Stopperich also has multiple top-ten and top-five finishes.

Her parents are Shawn and Lauren Stopperich, and her siblings are Alec, Aidan, and Jillian Stopperich.

A senior at Peters Township High School in McMurray, Pa., Stopperich boasts a 4.2 GPA and is a member of the National Honors Society.

While at South Carolina, Stopperich plans on majoring in psychology. She chose the Gamecocks over Texas A&M and Auburn.