University of Georgia Athletics
Georgia Signs 14 Riders for 2016-17 Season
November 18, 2015 | Equestrian
ATHENS, Ga. --- Georgia equestrian head coach Meghan Boenig has announced that 14 riders have signed a National Letter of Intent to continue their riding careers and education at the University of Georgia beginning the 2016-17 school year.
The signed riders include Kristy Barrett of Jefferson, Ga., Colette Cacciatore of Lexington, Mass., Darby Cole of Virginia Beach, Va., Emily Clark of Castle Rock, Colo., Maddy Darst of Lebanon, Ohio, Maddie Fiorante of Tigard, Ore., Lauren Hull of Canfield, Ohio, Sydney Hutchins of Westlake Village, Calif., Kate Kramer of Menlo Park, Calif., Olivia Lawton of Burr Ridge, Ill., AnnaBeth Payne of Tallahassee, Fla., Julia Spreng of Port Orange, Fla., Ali Tritschler of Southport, Conn., and Shaelyn Vering of Scribner, Neb.
"We're very excited about this recruiting class," Boenig said. "Having recruited early and signing 14 great riders, this freshman class is extraordinary for Georgia coming in. They have the combination of academics, athletics, great attitude and Bulldog loyalty that is outstanding and will breed many things for a successful future."
Kristy Barrett | Western | Jefferson, Ga.
Kristy Barrett brings an impressive resume to Athens. She is a North American Affiliate Qualifier, as well as a Reserve Champion of Affiliate Regionals Novice Norse Nonpro and finished seventh in Affiliate Regionals Rookie I. Additionally, Barrett placed first in both Novice Horse Nonpro and Rookie I.
Barrett is the daughter of John and Natalie Barrett.
"We are thrilled to be adding Kristy to our roster," assistant coach Laura Brainard said. "Kristy has the show experience, talent, and skillsets to be a very successful Georgia equestrian athlete. Through her years of showing, she has received several outstanding NRHA accomplishments. Kristy currently trains with NRHA professional, Herm Sherwin who has developed several great collegiate riders. I look forward to her contribution here at the University of Georgia."
Colette Cacciatore | Hunt Seat | Lexington, Mass.
Colette Cacciatore has had an impressive career thus far. In 2014, she placed first at WIHS Overall WEF pre-week and was Reserve Champion in the 3'3" Junior Hunters at WEF. She also finished first at the USEF Medal Vermont Summer Festival. Among her best accomplishments are a first place finish at the ASPCA Maclay Old Salem Spring Show and second place at USEF Talent Search Old Salem Spring Show.
Cacciatore is the daughter of Joseph and Karen Cacciatore.
"Colette is a stylish and accomplished rider who has proven herself in the equitation ring and the classroom," assistant coach Lisa Anderson said. "Her record shows her focus on the 3 A': Academics, Athletics and Attitude and we are excited to have her join us next year."
Darby Cole | Hunt Seat | Virginia Beach, Va.
Darby Cole commits to Georgia with a third place finish at the EJ Haun Hunt Seat Medal Finals and a second place finish at the VHSA Hunt Seat Medal Finals. She finished first at the MHSA Hunt Seat Medal Finals, has won many championships in Junior Hunters and placed fourth at the Virginia Hunter Championships.
Cole is the daughter of Chuck and Debi Cole.
"Darby's experience in the hunter ring will serve her well here at Georgia, assistant coach Lisa Anderson said. "She's a hard worker with a strong athletic and academic background and we know she will be an asset to our team."
Emily Clark | Western | Castle Rock, Colo.
Emily Clark will add depth to the Georgia line-up. Her accomplishments include champion finishes at the 2015 and 2014 NRHA Mountain Affiliate in 14-18 Youth Reining, the 2015 and 2014 NRHA Affiliate Finals Youth Team Tournament, the 2015 Challengers Cup Youth Freestyle, as well as 2015 NRHA Level 1 and Level 4 Reining.
She is the daughter of Alice Clark.
"Emily is a very well rounded rider who has all the qualities to be a very successful collegiate rider," assistant coach Laura Brainard said. "She has the talent and ability to adjust to a wide variety of horses. We are absolutely thrilled to have her on board with us and I cannot wait to see her flourish inside and outside of the arena."
Maddy Darst | Hunt Seat | Lebanon, Ohio
Maddie Darst adds an impressive resume to the Georgia roster. She was the 2013 Washington International Horse Show Equitation Finals Champion, finished second at Maclay Regionals in 2013, 2014, and 2015. Darst finished seventh at the USEF Finals in 2015, fifth at the George Morris Excellence in Equitation in 2015, and tenth at the 2015 PA National Horse Show Grand Prix when she competed in the 1.60 meter.
She is the daughter of Greg and Mindy Darst.
"We are extremely proud to welcome 2015 NAJYR Gold Medalist Maddy Darst to Georgia," head coach Meghan Boenig said. "Well known in the equitation world as a winner on whatever she rides, Maddy has a diverse background that ranges from equitation to hunters to 1.60 Grand Prix - I'm pretty sure she can handle whatever competition comes her way!"
Maddie Fiorante | Western | Tigard, Ore.
Maddie Fiorante brings an impressive background to Georgia. Fiorante was the show class winner and finished in the top 10 or top 5 in multiple classes including horsemanship at the 2015 Sun & Surf Show. Additionally in 2015, she was the Silver Dollar Reserve Circuit Western Pleasure Champion and finished third in Youth Showmanship at the Summer Classic Circuit. She was also Novice Championship Reserve Champion in Hunt Seat Equitation and Performance Halter Geldings.
She is the daughter of Terri Rise.
"We are thrilled to have Maddie come to UGA," assistant coach Laura Brainard said. "She's a strong horsemanship rider with the right talent to excel in the collegiate arena. Her accomplishments and personality will be a fantastic asset to the team."
Lauren Hull | Western | Canfield, Ohio
Lauren Hull adds depth to the Georgia lineup. She was the AQHA Youth Champion and is a multiple AQHYA World Championship Qualifier. Hull was a finalist in Youth Horsemanship at the 2015 NSBA Worlds and finished Top Ten at Congress.
She is the daughter of David and Christine Hull.
"We could not be more excited to have Lauren on our team," assistant coach Laura Brainard said. "Lauren is an excellent rider and has been very impressive in the show arena. Her genuine personality, positive energy, and team mindset will make a great contribution to Georgia Equestrian."
Sydney Hutchins | Hunt Seat | Westlake Village, Calif.
Sydney Hutchins comes to Georgia with an impressive resume. The highlight of her career is being named Champion of the 2014 USET Talent Search West Coast. Her other accomplishments include being champion of the 2014 ASPCA Maclay Region 8, an eighth place finish at the 2015 ASPCA Maclay Finals and champion of the 2013 CPHA Junior Medal Final.
She is the daughter of Greg and Sandy Hutchins.
"We are thrilled to sign USEF Show Jumping Talent Search West winner Sydney Hutchins after watching her consistent success for years, on different horses on both the east and west coasts," assistant coach Lisa Anderson said. "She brings a solid work ethic, calm confidence and real talent to the team."
Kate Kramer | Hunt Seat | Menlo Park, Calif.
Kate Kramer has won several Junior Hunter Championships. She has also qualified for Junior Hunter Finals, ASPCA Maclay, USEF Pessoa, and CPHA Junior among other shows.
She is the daughter of Henry and Holly Kramer.
"We welcome Kate Kramer who has worked with some of the best in California, assistant coach Lisa Anderson said. "She brings her "go for it" attitude and positive energy to our great team, making it even stronger."
Olivia Lawton | Hunt Seat | Burr Ridge, Ill.
Olivia Lawton will bring an impressive resume to Athens. Lawton's accomplishments include a third place finish at the 2015 Maclay Regionals, competed at Medal Finals in 2014 and 2015, was tenth overall at the 2015 Junior Hunter Finals, and Champion in 15-17 Equitation and Junior Hunters at WEF 2015.
Lawton is the daughter of Matthew and Cassandra Lawton.
"Olivia brings great energy to our team from her midwestern background," assistant coach Lisa Anderson said. "She is the total package: great supportive team member, strong academics and gets the job done in the show ring."
AnnaBeth Payne | Western | Tallahassee, Fla.
Annabeth Payne comes to Georgia with an impressive show record. In 2015 alone she was the NRHA Derby Rookie I Champion, Tulsa Reining Classic Rookie Champion and NAAC Qualifier, USEF 14-18 Youth Reining Reserve National Champion, and AQHYA World Qualifier in Reining. In 2014 Payne was the Florida Reining Horse Association Youth 14-18 Champion and Rookie I Champion. Additionally, Payne was the Florida Reining Horse Association Youth 14-18 Reserve Champion in 2013.
She is the daughter of Mark and Ann Payne.
"Annabeth holds a very unique and rare combination of gifts, assistant coach Laura Brainard said. "She is a rider who has a tremendous amount of work ethic, talent, experience, and passion for riding. Her work ethic and skills has led her to accomplish a well-decorated show record with several NRHA Championship titles. Annabeth has worked with multiple top NRHA professionals and currently rides with Casey Deary. We are honored to have her on our team and I look forward to seeing her thrive here at the University of Georgia."
Julia Spreng | Western | Port Orange, Fla.
Julia Spreng brings an impressive resume to the University of Georgia. She is a 2x Youth 13&under World Champion and placed in the top 10 numerous times. She is also in the overall top 10 Youth 13&under point earner.
She is the daughter of Gustl and Claudia Spreng. Her sister, Claudia Spreng, is currently a junior on the team.
"Julia's dynamic personality, exceptional riding ability, and work ethic will make a significant contribution to our team," assistant coach Laura Brainard said. "Julia seems to accomplish everything she sets her mind to which has clearly shown in her numerous World Championship accolades and academic honors. Having both Julia and her sister Claudia on the reining team is a great honor."
Ali Tritschler | Hunt Seat | Southport, Conn.
Ali Tritschler's accomplishments include a second place finish at WEF in 2015, third place finish at Medal Finals in 2014, and winning the flat phase at USET Finals in 2014. She also has 11 USET class wins in 2015 including a Silver Medal.
She is the daughter of Fred and Libby Tritschler.
"United States Equestrian Team Silver Medalist Ali Tritschler comes to us with an exceptional riding record under her belt," said assistant coach Lisa Anderson. "Her academic strength and overall enthusiasm for our sport and our team combined with her athletic ability and consistent national success make for an incredible addition to our team!"
Shaelyn Vering | Western | Scribner, Neb.
Shaelyn Vering commits to Georgia with a champion finish at the 2015 NRHA Derby in Unrestricted Youth and placed third in Youth 14-18 at the 2015 NRHA Derby. Vering qualified for the North American Affiliate Championships in 2012, 2013, and 2014 and finished in the top 10. Additionally, she was the reserve champion in Youth 14-18 at the 2013 Regional Affiliate Championships.
Vering is the daughter of Russ and Tammi Vering.
"We are beyond excited to have Shaelyn as part of our family. She excels inside and outside of the arena by holding endless academic honors, AQHA and NRHA titles. Not only is Shaelyn successful, but she is an outstanding leader and currently serves as the 2015 NRHYA president. I have no doubt that she will be a huge asset to Georgia. "
Players Mentioned
