University of Georgia Athletics
Two Former UGA Riders Named 2025 NCEA Distinguished Alumni
January 16, 2025 | Equestrian
WACO, Texas – Two former University of Georgia equestrian team members have been selected as 2025 National Collegiate Equestrian Association Distinguished Alumni Award presented by LiveEQ winners, the association announced Thursday.
These awards are presented to women who, after the completion of their undergraduate degree at an NCEA member institution, have made significant contributions in a professional field.
Carly Veldman Parks was chosen for the professional rider category, and for the Business category, Selby Merritt Hill was selected.
Distinguished Alumni are recognized in nine categories including Business, Community Engagement, Education, Equine Industry (Trainer/Coach), Equine Industry (Medical/Pharmaceutical), Equine Industry (Professional Rider), Health Science, Media & Communication and Young Alumni. Distinguished Alumni are separated from their institution for at least six years prior to nomination and are recognized as distinguished in the following areas: academic success, athletic success, outstanding service contributions and post-graduate success.
Selby Merritt Hill competed for the University of Georgia from 2010 to 2014, serving as captain during the 2013-14 season. Merritt Hill was named to several NCEA and SEC Academic Honor Rolls during her time as a Bulldog. She graduated Magna Cum Laude with a degree in Journalism and Public Relations, then went on to earn her master's in teaching in secondary English education. A member of the UGA Alumni Board of Directors, Merritt Hill was also recognized in the 2024 Bulldog 100. She is the founding partner and director of operations for Yonder Yoga, an infrared hot power yoga studio. Yonder Yoga has a philanthropic partnership with the Boys & Girls Club of Atlanta, where they send instructors to teach weekly yoga classes at three different locations for children in the program.
Carly Veldman Parks rode for the University of Georgia from 2002 to 2006. After briefly coaching at her alma mater, she transitioned to a professional riding career. Carly has earned multiple AQHA, APHA and NSBA World Championships. She held an overall winning record in Horsemanship and was named Western MVP during her 2004-05 season. Together with her husband, Wade, she co-founded Parks Show Horses, a renowned performance horse training operation based at their farm in Ohio. In addition to her training career, Carly holds both AQHA and NSBA judge's cards and occasionally judges NCEA meets.
The award ceremony is scheduled for Friday afternoon, April 19 between semi-final sessions at the NCEA National Championship in Ocala, Florida.
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