Gamecocks Welcome Nikita Cope to Carolina Family

Nov. 10, 2016

COLUMBIA, S.C. – University of South Carolina equestrian coach Boo Major is proud to announce that Nikita Cope has signed a National Letter of Intent to join the Gamecock program. A horsemanship rider from Egg Harbor City, N.J., Cope is trained by Jake Hartman.

“We are excited to have Nikita become a part of our horsemanship team next year,” Major said. “She will add experience in AQHA competitions that will be complimentary to our existing horsemanship team.”

Cope joins the Gamecocks out of Pinelands Regional High School in Tuckerton, N.J. She is the daughter of Dave Cope and Deborah Buzby-Cope.

Cope has won numerous honors from both the American Quarter Horse Association and the American Paint Horse Association. She’s a member of the New Jersey and North Carolina Quarter Horse Associations and the Garden State Paint Horse Association.

A decorated high school student, Cope maintains a 4.1 GPA. She is a member of the National Honor Society and the French Honor Society and is a United States Equestrian Federation Varsity Student-Athlete. She also serves on student council as her class secretary and has received numerous honor roll awards.

UP NEXT FOR THE GAMECOCKS

Carolina (3-2, 1-1 SEC) closes the fall season on Friday, Nov. 18, when they face No. 2 Auburn. The meet begins at 4 p.m. ET in Auburn, Ala.