University of Georgia Athletics
Photo by: Madison Keel/UGAAA
Georgia's Tessa Brown Named Educated Rider Standout Student-Athlete of the Month
March 31, 2026 | Equestrian
WACO, Texas – Georgia equestrian senior Tessa Brown has been named the Educated Rider Standout Student-Athlete of the Month for March, as announced by the National Collegiate Equestrian Association (NCEA).
Every month the NCEA recognizes student-athletes for their accomplishments in the ring, however the NCEA also highlights athletes on their outstanding performances outside of the ring, including academics, philanthropy, outstanding attitude and embodiment of an ideal teammate.
Brown, a native of Bloomfield, Conn., has added a multitude of equine accolades to her name during her time at Georgia, with an overall record of 43-30-2 in the Jumping Seat arena, as well as being recognized with MOP honors nine times.
A Public Relations major and International Affairs minor, Brown boasts an overall 3.8 grade point average and has found herself on the academic honor roll numerous times during her college career.
Earlier in the month, Brown was recognized as the Top Female Athlete at the 2026 Peach of an Athlete Role Model Banquet. Each year, the Atlanta Area Council and Scouts of America honor student-athletes from the state of Georgia or enrolled in a college or university in Georgia, who have distinguished themselves by their character, scholastic achievement, academic excellence and community service – characteristics taught every day in the Scouting program. The Scouting organization takes great pride in recognizing those who serve as good "Role Models for Youth."
During the Fall of 2023, Brown wanted to find a way to get herself and her fellow student-athletes more involved with young students in the Athens community. With assistance from her mentors at the Georgia Way, the Pen Pal Project was born. This project involves 10 fourth grade elementary school students at Athens-area elementary schools. Tessa has a group of 10 UGA athletes to be paired with these young students. The goal of the pen pal system is to create a relationship with a UGA athlete and a young Athens student. This program aims to unite communities, empower young minds and create relationships that work towards growing each day.
Every month the NCEA recognizes student-athletes for their accomplishments in the ring, however the NCEA also highlights athletes on their outstanding performances outside of the ring, including academics, philanthropy, outstanding attitude and embodiment of an ideal teammate.
Brown, a native of Bloomfield, Conn., has added a multitude of equine accolades to her name during her time at Georgia, with an overall record of 43-30-2 in the Jumping Seat arena, as well as being recognized with MOP honors nine times.
A Public Relations major and International Affairs minor, Brown boasts an overall 3.8 grade point average and has found herself on the academic honor roll numerous times during her college career.
Earlier in the month, Brown was recognized as the Top Female Athlete at the 2026 Peach of an Athlete Role Model Banquet. Each year, the Atlanta Area Council and Scouts of America honor student-athletes from the state of Georgia or enrolled in a college or university in Georgia, who have distinguished themselves by their character, scholastic achievement, academic excellence and community service – characteristics taught every day in the Scouting program. The Scouting organization takes great pride in recognizing those who serve as good "Role Models for Youth."
During the Fall of 2023, Brown wanted to find a way to get herself and her fellow student-athletes more involved with young students in the Athens community. With assistance from her mentors at the Georgia Way, the Pen Pal Project was born. This project involves 10 fourth grade elementary school students at Athens-area elementary schools. Tessa has a group of 10 UGA athletes to be paired with these young students. The goal of the pen pal system is to create a relationship with a UGA athlete and a young Athens student. This program aims to unite communities, empower young minds and create relationships that work towards growing each day.
Players Mentioned
Jumping Seat
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