University of Georgia Athletics
Senior Spotlight: Lila Owens
April 03, 2019 | Equestrian
Senior Horsemanship rider and Winter Park, Florida, native Lila Owens plans to graduate from the University of Georgia with a degree in Communications Studies. Owen's mother introduced her to horses at three years old, she would be a Georgia GymDog in another life, and enjoys hiking with her dog, Jagger. Read her Q&A below to learn more…
"Why Georgia," what made you choose to attend the University of Georgia?
"My story might sound a little different than most athletes who fell in love with their University on a student visit. I had not even seen campus before making my decision. I arrived home after high school one day and announced that I was going to University of Georgia. My family was shocked by my spontaneous decision, but I haven't looked back! I am so blessed to be a dawg."
Describe the UGA equestrian team in one word.
"Resilient."
How old were you when you started riding and what made you decide to?
"3 years old. My mom introduced me to horses and then told me that I couldn't lope so I loped. The rest is history."
What is your favorite memory with UGA equestrian?
"My favorite memory with UGA Equestrian was my sophomore year when we won SEC's (2017). We all lost our voices and wept happy tears when Lindsay Cheek secured the championship winning point. It is a moment I will never forget."
What legacy do you want to leave at Georgia?
"I hope that my younger teammates always remember that you can accomplish anything if you set your mind to it. I am living proof. I was able to accomplish my most far reaching goals despite a few challenges by developing an unbreakable commitment to my team."
If you could play any other sport what would it be and why?
"If I could play any other sport at UGA, I would choose Gymnastics. They are not only outrageously fearless and spirited, our GymDogs' talent is unmatched."
What does Georgia Head Coach Meghan Boenig mean to you?
"Coach M will challenge us along the way, but I have learned that she is also our greatest supporter. She challenges us in the arena, in the classroom, and in our daily life while providing the support we need to become the best version of ourselves."
What is your favorite thing to do?
"My favorite thing to do is take my dog, Jagger, to Ben Burton Park. Jagger and I will explore the various hiking trails and escape from the stressors of daily life. It allows me to come back refreshed, refocused, and motivated."
What is your biggest goal in life?
"My biggest goal in life is to carry joy with me wherever I go. My friend Maya sent me a quote a while ago that read, "Do not forget to laugh, my friend. The world is not as serious as you make it out to be" (Unknown)."
Favorite city or school you have visited during college.
"My favorite city that I visited during college is Jacksonville, Florida for the infamous Georgia vs. Florida game. Our senior class traveled to the game together and we could not wipe the smiles off our faces the entire time. I will always cherish this time together."
What is your guilty pleasure (TV show) that you like to watch?
"I love The Office as much as Dwight Schrute loves Michael Scott."
Starbucks coffee order: "Venti Iced Coffee with White Mocha and Cream, please. It is about 600 calories of pure bliss."
"Go Dawgs!" What does it mean to you?
"A simple "Go Dawgs!" has the power to unite everyone who bleeds red and black despite our differences. I can be anywhere in the world and if I see a Georgia "G" then I will scream "Go Dawgs!" I love it."
"Why Georgia," what made you choose to attend the University of Georgia?
"My story might sound a little different than most athletes who fell in love with their University on a student visit. I had not even seen campus before making my decision. I arrived home after high school one day and announced that I was going to University of Georgia. My family was shocked by my spontaneous decision, but I haven't looked back! I am so blessed to be a dawg."
Describe the UGA equestrian team in one word.
"Resilient."
How old were you when you started riding and what made you decide to?
"3 years old. My mom introduced me to horses and then told me that I couldn't lope so I loped. The rest is history."
What is your favorite memory with UGA equestrian?
"My favorite memory with UGA Equestrian was my sophomore year when we won SEC's (2017). We all lost our voices and wept happy tears when Lindsay Cheek secured the championship winning point. It is a moment I will never forget."
What legacy do you want to leave at Georgia?
"I hope that my younger teammates always remember that you can accomplish anything if you set your mind to it. I am living proof. I was able to accomplish my most far reaching goals despite a few challenges by developing an unbreakable commitment to my team."
If you could play any other sport what would it be and why?
"If I could play any other sport at UGA, I would choose Gymnastics. They are not only outrageously fearless and spirited, our GymDogs' talent is unmatched."
What does Georgia Head Coach Meghan Boenig mean to you?
"Coach M will challenge us along the way, but I have learned that she is also our greatest supporter. She challenges us in the arena, in the classroom, and in our daily life while providing the support we need to become the best version of ourselves."
What is your favorite thing to do?
"My favorite thing to do is take my dog, Jagger, to Ben Burton Park. Jagger and I will explore the various hiking trails and escape from the stressors of daily life. It allows me to come back refreshed, refocused, and motivated."
What is your biggest goal in life?
"My biggest goal in life is to carry joy with me wherever I go. My friend Maya sent me a quote a while ago that read, "Do not forget to laugh, my friend. The world is not as serious as you make it out to be" (Unknown)."
Favorite city or school you have visited during college.
"My favorite city that I visited during college is Jacksonville, Florida for the infamous Georgia vs. Florida game. Our senior class traveled to the game together and we could not wipe the smiles off our faces the entire time. I will always cherish this time together."
What is your guilty pleasure (TV show) that you like to watch?
"I love The Office as much as Dwight Schrute loves Michael Scott."
Starbucks coffee order: "Venti Iced Coffee with White Mocha and Cream, please. It is about 600 calories of pure bliss."
"Go Dawgs!" What does it mean to you?
"A simple "Go Dawgs!" has the power to unite everyone who bleeds red and black despite our differences. I can be anywhere in the world and if I see a Georgia "G" then I will scream "Go Dawgs!" I love it."
Players Mentioned
Western
/ EquestrianSaturday, March 28
Friday, March 27
Monday, March 02
Saturday, February 28