University of Georgia Athletics
Today. Tomorrow. Together.
October 11, 2017 | Equestrian
By: Molly King
Each year the equestrian team decides on a theme for the season that they translate into a motto. They strive to live by this motto in an effort to set the standard for future teams with a high expectation for achievement. This year they have decided on "Today. Tomorrow. Together."
Traditionally, the senior class will determine what they want the motto for the season to be based on their overarching goals. This year, the captains decided they wanted to include more than just the senior class and asked for input from the whole team.
"We kept emphasizing how we really wanted to incorporate togetherness," said team captain Sammie Johnson. "We wanted to talk about what we wanted to focus on today, and continue pushing each other, but if things didn't go so well we needed to focus on the future and move forward."
High success last year has left the team eager to continue their dominance in the league. Riding to a 13-5 overall record, the Bulldogs hit 150 wins in the program's history during the 2016-17 season. They finished No. 2 in the country, taking home the NCEA Reserve National Championship title.
Georgia hopes this season long mantra will help them sustain their successes from last season while also keeping them focused on this year's goals.
"It runs through my mind every morning: today, tomorrow, together," said senior captain Kyndall Harper. "We are working hard today, to get better for tomorrow, and then we are together as one unit throughout the whole season. No matter what we are doing, the theme encompasses us in the weight room, at practice, and in the classroom. It covers all aspects of everyday life and is a motivating force for the team."
"It's a cycle really," said junior captain Emma Mandarino. "If you put in one percent of effort today, and you keep doing that successively, it is all going to add up. You are going to have so much improvement if you keep working towards it. This keeps us balanced. Looking to where we need to be."
"We took part of the motto from last year, #Everyday, we really loved that theme and the seniors' thinking behind that," said team captain Liza Goodlett. "We wanted to take that and turn that into our own motto for this year. That is where the today and tomorrow encapsulates every single day. For together, we just wanted to foster relationships and emphasize that we are a unified team. I know we are a big team, but we want everyone to feel like they are an essential member."
Although not all of the riders on the team have the opportunity to compete in the ring, every member is lending a hand behind the scenes to ensure the meet runs smoothly. From tacking horses to schooling before meets, each member has a crucial role in the overall success of the team.
"There are so many of us on the team, but you don't really notice that because not everyone competes," added fellow team captain Addyson Cord. "We couldn't get where we were last year and we can't win a national championship or an SEC championship with just a select few. We need everyone working together and everyone working hard. We like that this motto really encompasses that."
With a commitment to a family environment of supporting each other, the equestrian team is well prepared and excited for the upcoming season. After bringing home a Southeastern Conference Title in the 2016-2017 season, expectations are high for another championship season.
Georgia will compete in their first home meet this Friday, October 13 at 11 a.m. against SEC rival Texas A&M.
Molly King is a senior at the University of Georgia majoring in Consumer Journalism with a minor in Communication Studies. She is in her third year as a student assistant with the UGA Sports Communication office.
Each year the equestrian team decides on a theme for the season that they translate into a motto. They strive to live by this motto in an effort to set the standard for future teams with a high expectation for achievement. This year they have decided on "Today. Tomorrow. Together."
Traditionally, the senior class will determine what they want the motto for the season to be based on their overarching goals. This year, the captains decided they wanted to include more than just the senior class and asked for input from the whole team.
"We kept emphasizing how we really wanted to incorporate togetherness," said team captain Sammie Johnson. "We wanted to talk about what we wanted to focus on today, and continue pushing each other, but if things didn't go so well we needed to focus on the future and move forward."
High success last year has left the team eager to continue their dominance in the league. Riding to a 13-5 overall record, the Bulldogs hit 150 wins in the program's history during the 2016-17 season. They finished No. 2 in the country, taking home the NCEA Reserve National Championship title.
Georgia hopes this season long mantra will help them sustain their successes from last season while also keeping them focused on this year's goals.
"It runs through my mind every morning: today, tomorrow, together," said senior captain Kyndall Harper. "We are working hard today, to get better for tomorrow, and then we are together as one unit throughout the whole season. No matter what we are doing, the theme encompasses us in the weight room, at practice, and in the classroom. It covers all aspects of everyday life and is a motivating force for the team."
"It's a cycle really," said junior captain Emma Mandarino. "If you put in one percent of effort today, and you keep doing that successively, it is all going to add up. You are going to have so much improvement if you keep working towards it. This keeps us balanced. Looking to where we need to be."
"We took part of the motto from last year, #Everyday, we really loved that theme and the seniors' thinking behind that," said team captain Liza Goodlett. "We wanted to take that and turn that into our own motto for this year. That is where the today and tomorrow encapsulates every single day. For together, we just wanted to foster relationships and emphasize that we are a unified team. I know we are a big team, but we want everyone to feel like they are an essential member."
Although not all of the riders on the team have the opportunity to compete in the ring, every member is lending a hand behind the scenes to ensure the meet runs smoothly. From tacking horses to schooling before meets, each member has a crucial role in the overall success of the team.
"There are so many of us on the team, but you don't really notice that because not everyone competes," added fellow team captain Addyson Cord. "We couldn't get where we were last year and we can't win a national championship or an SEC championship with just a select few. We need everyone working together and everyone working hard. We like that this motto really encompasses that."
With a commitment to a family environment of supporting each other, the equestrian team is well prepared and excited for the upcoming season. After bringing home a Southeastern Conference Title in the 2016-2017 season, expectations are high for another championship season.
Georgia will compete in their first home meet this Friday, October 13 at 11 a.m. against SEC rival Texas A&M.
Molly King is a senior at the University of Georgia majoring in Consumer Journalism with a minor in Communication Studies. She is in her third year as a student assistant with the UGA Sports Communication office.
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