AUBURN, Ala. – Auburn equestrian alums Lindsay Neubarth and Jessica Braswell were named recipients of the 2019 National Collegiate Equestrian Association Distinguished Alumni Award, the NCEA announced.
"I can't think of two more alums not only qualified for the award they have won, but for being alumni that were involved with NCAA equestrian post-graduation," head coach Greg Williams said. "Lindsay finished a stellar career as a rider and was a major help in the transition of equestrian as a club sport to a varsity sport. She then came back and was the Hunt Seat coach for years. Coach Jessica Braswell was a member of our very first championship team as a rider, then our first graduate assistant and now has been a championship winning coach here for eight years. This program is so blessed by what they have done and what continue to do not just for Auburn, but for this sport.
Neubarth was recognized for her involvement in community engagement. From the time she arrived to the Plains as a student-athlete, Neubarth has had a servant's heart for every community she has been a part of. She was an integral part in establishing the program's current status of service in Auburn, helping build strong relationships with elementary schools, Habitat for Humanity, local food banks and animal shelters, handicapped riding programs and more.
Currently, Neubarth is involved in fundraising, operational and marketing involvement in numerous organizations, clubs and charities including Volition America, Team World Vision, Salvation Army Echelon in Chicago and the Auburn Club.
Her daily work efforts revolve around the Auburn student-athlete as she is a Director of Athletics Development in the Auburn Athletic Department. Neubarth is charged with raising funds for all teams at a level of $50,000 or higher. In this role, she works to create a personal connection between donors and the teams they support.
Neubarth also continues to work one-on-one with female student-athletes at Auburn, serving in important outreach programs like WINGS. The program mentors female students and assists them on their career paths after their athletic careers are done.
Braswell was awarded for her involvement in the equine industry as a coach. The 2009 graduate of Auburn University was a member of the Tiger team from 2005-09 and was a part of the 2006 national championship team.
Currently serving as the programs associate head coach, Braswell oversees the performance of the Hunter Seat side of competition. Since her start as a coach in 2011, the Tigers have captured four NCEA national titles (2013, 2016, 2018, 2019), three Hunter Seat national crowns (2013, 2018, 2019), two Southeastern Conference championships (2016, 2019), a 2018 Equitation Over Fences national title and a 2019 Equitation on the Flat national crown.
After Auburn's impressive run to the national title in 2018, Braswell was named the NCEA Coach of the Year. She has coached her student-athletes to 42 All-America honors, eight NCEA National Championship Most Outstanding Players, 20 NCEA All-Championship Team honorees, seven SEC Freshman Rider of the Year awards, four SEC Riders of the Year and numerous All-SEC honorees.
In addition to her responsibilities as a coach, Braswell has served on many NCEA committees. She is the co-chair for the NCEA Championship Committee and has been a part of the Compliance Committee, Competition Committee and the Promotions Committee.
Distinguished Alumni are recognized in eight categories including Business, Community Engagement, Education, Equine Industry (Rider/Trainer/Coach), Equine Industry (Medical/Business), Health Sciences/Services, Media & Communication, and Young Alumni. Distinguished Alumni are separated from their institution for at least 6 years prior to nomination and are recognized as distinguished in the following areas: academic success, athletic success, outstanding service contributions, and post-graduate success.
Each NCEA team had the opportunity to nominate one alumni in each category. The nominations were reviewed by a selection committee and shared with the NCEA Board of Directors.