Gamecocks Tops in the Nation as NCEA Academic Awards are Announced

April 12, 2017

COLUMBIA, S.C. – The University of South Carolina equestrian team led the nation as the NCEA released their 2016-17 academic awards on Wednesday. The Gamecocks paced all of collegiate equestrian both with their nine First Team selections and their 28 total honorees.

Nine Gamecocks earned a spot on the American Quarter Horse Association NCEA Academic First Team: Courtney Allen, Madison Butehorn, Lauren Fabiano, Bailey Mierzejewski, Megan Overberg, Ashley Reichert, Sydney Smith, Paige Stopperich and Madison Thiel. Student-athletes on the First Team must have competed in a minimum of 70 percent of the school’s meets, not including demo or exhibition rides, and earned a cumulative GPA of 3.5 while maintaining full-time enrollment in the previous spring and fall semesters, respectively.

The academic award is the second of the season for Mierzejewski, who was named SEC Scholar-Athlete of the Year last week.

Three Gamecocks were awarded a spot on the American Quarter Horse Association NCEA Academic Second Team: Paisley Roberts, Lizzie van der Walde and Bailey Walters. Second Team honorees must have competed in a minimum of 60 percent of the school’s meets, not including demo or exhibition rides, and earned a cumulative GPA of 3.25 while maintaining full-time enrollment in the previous spring and fall semesters, respectively.

Last but not least, Chloe Schmidt was named to the American Quarter Horse Association NCEA Academic Honorable Mention Team. Honorable Mention candidates were required to have competed in a minimum of 50 percent of the school’s meets, not including demo or exhibition rides, and earned a cumulative GPA of 3.0 while maintaining full-time enrollment in the previous spring and fall semesters, respectively.

Finally, a nation-best 28 Gamecocks were named to the American Paint Horse Association NCEA Academic Honor Roll for earning a cumulative GPA of 3.25 while maintaining full-time enrollment in the previous spring and fall semesters, respectively. That list includes Courtney Allen, Raleigh Bacharach, Madison Butehorn, Makayla Clegg, Kate Eagleton, Lauren Fabiano, Kara Guertin, Sarah Isgett, Bailey Mierzejewski, Meredith Milton, Megan Overberg, Kirklen Petersen, Hanna Powers, Jaana Rasmussen, Ashley Reichert, Paisley Roberts, Megan Russo, Chloe Schmidt, Aurie Engel Schmieding, Lindsey Slack, Sydney Smith, Paige Stopperich, Madison Thiel, Madeline Valenzuela, Lizzie van der Walde, Amelia Vernon, Bailey Walters and Bridgett White

UP NEXT FOR THE GAMECOCKS

The Gamecocks (6-8) compete Thursday against South Dakota State in the first round of the 2017 NCEA Championship. The meet begins at approximately 9:05 a.m. CT in Waco, Texas. Carolina will need to win four consecutive matches over three days to claim their fourth national championship.