NEXT RIDE: Hanna Powers
With the 2018-19 season officially complete, it is time for Carolina to bid farewell to eight seniors, all of whom impacted the Gamecocks’ program in their own way. The end of their collegiate careers marks the beginning of a new journey, filled with countless opportunities. The Next Ride features will spotlight the seniors and their time at South Carolina. Forever to Thee.
Next up: Hanna Powers. Powers joined the Gamecocks from Potomac Falls, Va. She was a four-year competitor for Carolina and was a member of the Hunter Seat squad. Powers rode both Equitation on the Flat and Equitation Over Fences.
Graduation Date, Degree, Major(s):
Walked in graduation in Spring 2019, coming back in Fall 2019 to complete “Senior Semester” practicum in the Journalism School – broadcast journalism major with a minor in theatre and a humanities cognate.
What was your hardest class at Carolina?
Media Law. I always thought math was my hardest subject, but this class was a bear.
How did you pick your major?
I have a passion for telling stories. I like the process of discovering new information and interactions with new people. I find it rewarding to share what I have learned.
How did the Carolina Equestrian family help you during your academic career?
The team at the Dodie has tremendous resources and they want you to succeed. My academic advisor Bridgett Tabor, or “BT” as we knew her, always encouraged me to make the most of my USC experience. Being a student-athlete was my “full-time job,” but once I had firm mastery of that role, I was able to get involved in other areas on campus such as, Student Government, SACC and I even joined a sorority. Those extensions made my college experience so complete as I connected with many interesting and diverse groups on campus.
How did the Carolina Equestrian family help with your post-college career?
I learned that I have deep capacity to take on and successfully manage many things simultaneously. I learned how to be truly resilient. USC has engrained in me the need to achieve more, even when I think I may have done enough.
What competition will you remember most from your time as a Carolina Equestrian student-athlete?
Senior Day was very special to me. So much transpired over my four years, I used that meet day to really just look back over it all. I also loved having my dad there that day.
What’s the one phrase you’ll remember most from Coach Major/Terebesi/Sorrel?
I am always partial to positive motivation. Coach Sorrel, or “Coachie,” always made a point to touch base with all of us each day and “tell her something good.” Some days when things did not go so well, finding something positive to celebrate really helped change my perspective. In addition, I will always respect what Coach Major did to make the sport of Equestrian a reality in the NCAA.
What do you plan on doing after graduation?
This summer I am working as a reporter for Sarasota Magazine. This fall I will be back in Columbia completing “Senior Semester” as a reporter for Carolina News. After that, expect to find me continuing my journalism career, and hopefully making my way back to my native Washington, D.C., soon!
What’s your advice for young riders interested in joining the Carolina Equestrian program?
Being a Division I Athlete is a distinction that will forever set you apart from your peers. This is particularly true in Equestrian since we take a sport that is most often performed individually and merge that into a team framework where there are new and different parts to play. It is an honor that comes with an obligation to represent the team in the highest way possible, both in and out of the show ring.
