Clarkson Named SEC Rider of the Month on the Flat

Columbia, S.C. – Sophomore Maya Clarkson earned February SEC Rider of the Month honors on the flat the conference announced Wednesday. She went a perfect 4-0-0 in the event and improved in each meet she competed in throughout the month.
 
“Maya has been a tremendous force as part of our flat team,” said head coach Boo Major. “Her knowledge of correct riding on the flat is one of the best on the team. She is very deserving of this recognition by the SEC.”
 
Clarkson made her season debut in the home meet against then-No. 3 Auburn in which she was the lone Gamecock to earn a point with a 70 on Redford. One week later at then-No. 6 Baylor, her score of 77 helped South Carolina to a 4-1 win on the flat. She continued her winning streak at then-No. 2 Texas A&M with an 80.5, completing the sweep on the flat in the meet.
 
The Santa Cruz, Calif., native’s best score of the month came in the home meet against then-No. 4 Georgia. She earned the highest score of the day with an 88 to assist in the upset over Georgia. Not only was she the top scorer, but her 88 was the then-second highest score in the event for South Carolina this season.
 
Clarkson and the rest of Gamecock Equestrian will look to continue their two-meet winning streak when they compete later this month in the SEC Championships hosted by Auburn.