Senior Spotlight: Sam Gastelum
July 28, 2021 | Equestrian
Now graduated, 2021 senior Sam Gastelum can easily say her favorite memory over the last four years was winning the 2021 NCEA National Championship. Being part of a team and working towards a common goal has taught her so many things about herself. Now, her next step is to attend Law School at Boston College in the fall, where she plans on using the skills she learned here, at the University of Georgia.
You and the Bulldogs had a very successful season this past year. Throughout all of it, was there a moment that was your favorite?
Sam Gastelum: "My favorite moment, of course, was being able to see the team win the National Championship."
After not being able to compete at NCEAs last year due to the pandemic, what made the 2020-21 season so special?
SG: "2020-21 was unique because we were still experiencing pandemic life. Classes were virtual and the situation was far from normal."
The team ended the year winning the NCEA National Championship in Waco over SMU. How rewarding did it feel to have accomplished that?
SG: "The National Championship win was amazing. This is not something that happens overnight. It was the culmination of years of practice and teamwork."
Is there any advice that you want to give to the younger riders that will follow in your footsteps?
SG: "My advice is to get as much experience on many horses as you can. I was fortunate because as a junior I had an amazing coach, Jim Hagman, who gave me the opportunity to catch ride many horses and this prepared me quite well for the Universtiy of Georgia equestrian team."
What impact has the University of Georgia Equestrian program had on you?
SG: "I believe that being on an athletic team in college is an incomparable experience. It is an enormous time commitment, but it also gives you a support system as soon as you enter college. As a student-athlete, you learn time management skills that will help you for the rest of your life."
What is your next step after graduating from the University of Georgia?
SG: "I will be attending Boston College Law School in the fall."
Throughout the last four years you've been on the team, is there anything that you have learned about yourself and your team?
SG: "While it may sound paradoxical, being on a team makes you more aware of your individual strengths and weaknesses. Each person plays a different role and while you work together towards a common goal there is a great deal of self-reflection that goes into the process."
You and the Bulldogs had a very successful season this past year. Throughout all of it, was there a moment that was your favorite?
Sam Gastelum: "My favorite moment, of course, was being able to see the team win the National Championship."
After not being able to compete at NCEAs last year due to the pandemic, what made the 2020-21 season so special?
SG: "2020-21 was unique because we were still experiencing pandemic life. Classes were virtual and the situation was far from normal."
The team ended the year winning the NCEA National Championship in Waco over SMU. How rewarding did it feel to have accomplished that?
SG: "The National Championship win was amazing. This is not something that happens overnight. It was the culmination of years of practice and teamwork."
Is there any advice that you want to give to the younger riders that will follow in your footsteps?
SG: "My advice is to get as much experience on many horses as you can. I was fortunate because as a junior I had an amazing coach, Jim Hagman, who gave me the opportunity to catch ride many horses and this prepared me quite well for the Universtiy of Georgia equestrian team."
What impact has the University of Georgia Equestrian program had on you?
SG: "I believe that being on an athletic team in college is an incomparable experience. It is an enormous time commitment, but it also gives you a support system as soon as you enter college. As a student-athlete, you learn time management skills that will help you for the rest of your life."
What is your next step after graduating from the University of Georgia?
SG: "I will be attending Boston College Law School in the fall."
Throughout the last four years you've been on the team, is there anything that you have learned about yourself and your team?
SG: "While it may sound paradoxical, being on a team makes you more aware of your individual strengths and weaknesses. Each person plays a different role and while you work together towards a common goal there is a great deal of self-reflection that goes into the process."
Players Mentioned
Jumping Seat
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Georgia Equestrian NCEA Championship vs SMU Highlights
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Monday, April 21
Georgia Equestrian NCEA Championship vs SMU Presser
Saturday, April 19
