AUBURN, Ala. – Ten student-athletes on the No. 1 Auburn equestrian team were honored by the Southeastern Conference as the league announced its postseason awards Friday.
"My first thought is how amazed at the number of riders we have taking home honors and how proud I am of them," head coach Greg Williams said. "I really feel more pride in my staff and how they've made this list come to fruition. Auburn is a fantastic fit for this sport, but it still takes a dedicated staff to create a culture of long-term success. From the coaches, to our strength staff and our trainers to the support throughout the department."
Auburn took home three of the four Rider of the Year honors as well as two Freshman Rider of the Year awards.
In addition, Williams was named the SEC Coach of the Year. The honor is a first for the Auburn graduate, who is in his 24th year at the helm of the program. In 2018-19, Williams has guided the squad to a 15-0 mark and its second SEC Championship.
Senior Lauren Diaz was named the league's Horsemanship Rider of the Year, marking the second time a Tiger has received the honor. Diaz is 13-2-0 overall in the event with a team-leading seven MOPs. The Heath, Ohio, native broke the program's career wins record in the event earlier this spring and scored a 75 or higher six times during the regular season.
Senior Caitlin Boyle was named the Equitation Over Fences Co-Rider of the Year, picking up the program's second honor in that category. The Hampshire, Ill., product set a new Auburn program record in career wins at the conference meet in March and holds an 11-2-1 record in the event. She was also honored as a part of the All-Championship team to the SEC tournament.
Sophomore Taylor St. Jacques was awarded the leagues Equitation on the Flat Rider of the Year after having a very impressive year in the event. She holds a 9-0-1 mark with seven MOPs. It award is the third in program history.
Freshman McKayla Langmeier secured both Freshman Rider of the Year awards in Fences and Flat. The East Granby, Conn., product stands at 21-2-0 overall between the two events, including a 12-0-0 record in Flat with two MOPs. In addition to her 9-2-0 mark in Fences, Langmeier never scored below an 80 in the regular season between Flat and Fences.
These four Tigers also secured spots on the All-SEC for the event they were honored in, while Langmeier was also placed on the All-Freshman teams.
Seniors Hayley Iannotti and Ashton Alexander were also recognized in Hunter Seat competition. Iannotti secured a spot on both All-SEC teams for Fences and Flat, having 10 wins in each event. Alexander was recognized for her efforts in Flat, having an 12-1-0 record. She was also placed on the SEC All-Championship team.
Freshman Emma Kurtz also has had an outstanding first year on the Plains and was placed on both the SEC All-Freshman teams for Fences and Flat. The Hudson, Ohio, product has 16 wins on the year with eight in each event.
Joining Diaz on the All-SEC squad for Horsemanship was sophomore Taylor Searles. She holds a 12-1-1 mark with two MOPs. The Scottsdale, Ariz., product is currently enjoying a 12-meet unbeaten streak.
Senior Ali Fratessa and sophomore Deanna Green were recognized for their efforts in Reining. Fratessa has nine wins on the year with three MOPs, while Green leads the team with 10 wins in the event.
The Tigers are the top seed in the 2019 NCEA Championship, April 17-20, in Waco, Texas. Auburn is also the No. 1 seed in Flat, Fences and Horsemanship. The squad looks to defend its 2018 national championship as well as its 2018 Fences, Horsemanship, Hunt Seat and Western titles.