University of Georgia Athletics
Senior Spotlight: Madeline Epstein
July 26, 2021 | Equestrian
Madeline Epstein joined the UGA Equestrian program during the fall of 2018. It was the first time she had ever experienced a team atmosphere and it changed her perspective immensely. Working towards a greater goal with others pushed her to succeed. Now on track to attend law school in New York City, Epstein gives a lot of credit to her coaches and teammates for who she is today.
You and the Bulldogs had a very successful season this past year. Throughout all of it, was there a moment that was your favorite?
Madeline Epstein: "My favorite moment was watching the NCEA championship live stream and getting to see the best rides I have ever seen from my teammates! Special shout out to my neighbor and best bud down the hall, Ali Tritschler, who worked her butt off for five years and ended her college career with the most beautiful rides ever- not joking when I say I teared up watching her."
After not being able to compete at NCEAs last year due to the pandemic, what made the 2020-21 season so special?
ME: "The fact that our team was able to keep doing what we all love - riding horses - in the face of such a crazy time in the world was special. Any time outside with the horses and your teammates is a gift and an opportunity to connect with what you love."
The team ended the year winning the NCEA National Championship in Waco over SMU. How rewarding did it feel to have accomplished that?
ME: "To be a part of the national championship was unreal - it was something everyone had been working towards for many many seasons, and to get it done with such grace while still facing an international pandemic was incredible."
Is there any advice that you want to give to the younger riders that will follow in your footsteps?
ME: "My best advice to younger teammates is to not take anything too seriously. You are all on this team because you love to ride horses, and because you're good at it! We all deal with so much outside of the team, and it is so important to remind yourself that the barn is your place to enjoy yourself, have fun with your teammates, and just love the horses. After that, winning championships is just the cherry on top."
What impact has the University of Georgia Equestrian program had on you?
ME: "The UGA Equestrian Team gave me much-needed structure in my college years. Freshman year before I was on the team (walk-ons yay!!) I struggled to find my place at UGA and felt like I was missing something. Being on the team and getting to work out and ride and play around (and clean) the barn with so many girls who love what you love is a gift, and I was lucky to experience that. I am very grateful for Coach 'M' and Coach Becker, and the time they took to get to know me and be there for me as a rider and a student."
What is your next step after graduating from the University of Georgia?
ME: "I will be attending Cardozo Law School in New York City this coming fall! I fondly remember talking to our very own Coach Becker about wanting to go to law school in NYC, and now it is a reality. It is also fun because a UGA Equestrian alum just graduated from the same law school, so perhaps a tradition is starting."
Throughout the last few years you've been on the team, is there anything that you have learned about yourself and your team?
ME: "Before college, riding horses was an individual sport for me. I had never been part of a competitive team, and I realized how valuable it is to have so many people around you doing what you're doing and making every part of the process fun. I learned that when your team is working towards one collective goal and victory, cheering on your teammates can be just as rewarding as being on the back of the horse."
"I am so lucky that I got to share my love for this sport with other like-minded women and incredibly special horses."
You and the Bulldogs had a very successful season this past year. Throughout all of it, was there a moment that was your favorite?
Madeline Epstein: "My favorite moment was watching the NCEA championship live stream and getting to see the best rides I have ever seen from my teammates! Special shout out to my neighbor and best bud down the hall, Ali Tritschler, who worked her butt off for five years and ended her college career with the most beautiful rides ever- not joking when I say I teared up watching her."
After not being able to compete at NCEAs last year due to the pandemic, what made the 2020-21 season so special?
ME: "The fact that our team was able to keep doing what we all love - riding horses - in the face of such a crazy time in the world was special. Any time outside with the horses and your teammates is a gift and an opportunity to connect with what you love."
The team ended the year winning the NCEA National Championship in Waco over SMU. How rewarding did it feel to have accomplished that?
ME: "To be a part of the national championship was unreal - it was something everyone had been working towards for many many seasons, and to get it done with such grace while still facing an international pandemic was incredible."
Is there any advice that you want to give to the younger riders that will follow in your footsteps?
ME: "My best advice to younger teammates is to not take anything too seriously. You are all on this team because you love to ride horses, and because you're good at it! We all deal with so much outside of the team, and it is so important to remind yourself that the barn is your place to enjoy yourself, have fun with your teammates, and just love the horses. After that, winning championships is just the cherry on top."
What impact has the University of Georgia Equestrian program had on you?
ME: "The UGA Equestrian Team gave me much-needed structure in my college years. Freshman year before I was on the team (walk-ons yay!!) I struggled to find my place at UGA and felt like I was missing something. Being on the team and getting to work out and ride and play around (and clean) the barn with so many girls who love what you love is a gift, and I was lucky to experience that. I am very grateful for Coach 'M' and Coach Becker, and the time they took to get to know me and be there for me as a rider and a student."
What is your next step after graduating from the University of Georgia?
ME: "I will be attending Cardozo Law School in New York City this coming fall! I fondly remember talking to our very own Coach Becker about wanting to go to law school in NYC, and now it is a reality. It is also fun because a UGA Equestrian alum just graduated from the same law school, so perhaps a tradition is starting."
Throughout the last few years you've been on the team, is there anything that you have learned about yourself and your team?
ME: "Before college, riding horses was an individual sport for me. I had never been part of a competitive team, and I realized how valuable it is to have so many people around you doing what you're doing and making every part of the process fun. I learned that when your team is working towards one collective goal and victory, cheering on your teammates can be just as rewarding as being on the back of the horse."
"I am so lucky that I got to share my love for this sport with other like-minded women and incredibly special horses."
Players Mentioned
Jumping Seat
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Jumping Seat
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