On March 8, 2025, the No. 7 ranked South Carolina Gamecocks equestrian team celebrated Senior Day with a significant 11-7 victory over the No. 10 UT Martin Skyhawks at One Wood Farm in Blythewood, South Carolina. This win marked their sixth of the season, concluding their regular season on a high note.
The competition commenced with the Fences event, where the Gamecocks dominated by securing four out of five points. Senior Kenley Koch initiated the scoring with an 83-74 win over Gabby Adams. Following her, sophomore Natalie Jayne delivered an impressive 86-84 victory against Kat Mills on Dento, earning her fourth Most Outstanding Performer (MOP) honor of the season in Fences. Amira Kettaneh continued the momentum with an 85-74 win over Bridget Vieau on Schnitzel, and Grace Rabb concluded the event by defeating Emerson Maier 79-71 on MJ.
In the Horsemanship event, UT Martin narrowed the gap by taking three of the five points. However, South Carolina’s Jordyn Humbert secured a point with a 73-66.5 win over Lexi Bailey on Z. Co-captain Tierney Horton also contributed significantly, defeating Ava Newsom 75-51.5 on Chubby. At halftime, the Gamecocks led with a score of 6-4.
The Flat event saw South Carolina extending their lead by winning three of the four points. Amira Kettaneh showcased exceptional skill, earning her second MOP of the season in this event with an 87-66 victory over Payton Lassen—the highest Flat score of the day. Natalie Jayne continued her stellar performance with an 80-72 win on Campino, and Sophie Mitchell added to the tally by defeating Emerson Maier 79-72 on Major. Additionally, Mary Hunter Millet tied with Gabby Adams at 75-75, further solidifying the Gamecocks’ advantage.
The competition concluded with the Reining event, which ended in a 2-2 tie. Fifth-year senior Chloe Stephenson and Lexi Bailey both scored 72.5, resulting in a tie. Haley Turner then secured a point for South Carolina with a 72-70.5 win over Aubrey Malone, earning her third MOP of her career. Freshman Olivia Cardi clinched the final point of the day by defeating Elise Mason 71-67.5 on Okie, sealing the overall victory for the Gamecocks.
This meet also served as a poignant moment for the Gamecocks, as they honored nine seniors for their contributions to the program. The ceremony recognized their dedication and achievements throughout their collegiate equestrian careers, making the victory on Senior Day even more meaningful.
The Gamecocks’ performance throughout the season has been commendable, with notable wins against top-10 opponents. Their resilience and consistency have positioned them as strong contenders in the upcoming Southeastern Conference (SEC) Championship. The team’s ability to secure crucial points in both Jumping Seat and Western disciplines highlights their versatility and depth.
Looking ahead, South Carolina will now prepare for the 2025 SEC Championship, scheduled to take place at the Tryon Equestrian Center from March 28-29. The team will utilize this period to rest and refine their strategies, aiming to capitalize on their current momentum and achieve success in the postseason.
The leadership of head coach Carol Gwin has been instrumental in guiding the Gamecocks to their current standing. Her emphasis on discipline, teamwork, and continuous improvement has fostered a culture of excellence within the program. As the team transitions into the championship phase, Coach Gwin’s experience and strategic acumen will be pivotal.
The support from the Gamecock community has also played a significant role in the team’s success. The enthusiasm and encouragement from fans, alumni, and university staff have provided an uplifting environment, motivating the athletes to perform at their best. Senior Day exemplified this unity, as the community gathered to celebrate the seniors and the team’s achievements.
As the SEC Championship approaches, the Gamecocks are poised to showcase their talent and determination on a larger stage. With a blend of seasoned seniors and emerging underclassmen, the team embodies a balance of experience and fresh energy. This dynamic positions them well for the challenges ahead, as they strive to add a conference title to their list of accomplishments this season.