It's time to meet the Auburn equestrian freshman class as we bring you Q&As with the newcomers. Our next newbie is Samantha Briggs!
Hometown: Lexington, Ky.
Major: Exercise Science
Prior to Auburn: Low Amateur Speed class winner at the 2020 Tryon Summer Circuit … Chosen for the Gold Start Central Clinic … Chosen for the Emerging Athletes Program … Multiple placings in the Low Junior Jumpers … Extensive experience as a working student.
Q: Why did you choose Auburn?
A: I chose Auburn because of the family. Not only is the Auburn Family welcoming and kind but it is competitive, hard-working, and has excellent morals. I love looking up during workouts and seeing the creed on the wall. The Auburn Family puts in work, hard work and that is why I chose Auburn.
How long have you been riding and what was the name of your first pony?
I have been riding for eleven years and my first horse's name was Buddy, but my first jumping horse was Gigi! They were both sweet old horses that always took care of me!
Since you're from horse country, have you always been surrounded by horses?
Yes! When I was little, my dad used to take me to Keeneland (I always chose number eight since the color was pink) and it sort of spiraled from there. I attended the Kentucky Three Day Event at the horse park each year with my family, and I even went on field trips in elementary school to The Kentucky Horse Park and Keeneland. So, I would say I have been surrounded by horses in one way or another my whole life!
What is the best vacation you've ever been on and what made it so awesome?
The best vacation I've been on was to Marco Island with my family last year. The destination made it enjoyable, but the quality time I got to spend with my family made it so awesome! My family and I don't get to spend a lot of time all together since my parents run an office and my sibling lives in Atlanta so I was thankful to get to spend time with them before heading to college.
What is your favorite homecooked meal?
My all-time favorite homecooked meal would have to be Cajun chicken pasta. It is perfect for any occasion and ALWAYS hits the spot. Hopefully, I will one day have my mom's cooking skills!
If you're stranded on a deserted island, what three teammates do you bring with and why?
If I was stranded on a deserted island the first person I would bring is Lindsey Klein because she is always willing to take one for the team and she is constantly looking out for everyone else. I would also want to take Gracie Sullivan because she can mediate her way out of anything! I'm pretty sure she could reason with a brick wall, so if there was an argument it wouldn't last long with her there! The third member I would want to be stranded with is McKayla Langmeier because when she gets in a groove, there is no stopping her. I believe that with this trio we would definitely all make it out alive!
If you live anywhere in the world for a year, where would it be and why?
If I could live anywhere in the world for a year it would be Costa Rica! I would want to spend a year there because in my all-time favorite show, New Girl, there is a scene where Schmidt says to Nick "you should be a sloth hanging in a tree in Costa Rica" and to me, nothing sounds better than hanging out with some sloths in Costa Rica!
What is your favorite Auburn tradition?
Even though I haven't been here for long, I am really loving the different ways sports incorporate the use of the phrase "War Eagle". For example, after a gymnast completes a vault and she is running back down the track, everyone yells "Warrrrr Eagle Hey!" and similarly in equestrian when reiners are running down the ring to stop for the last time, everyone yells "Warrrr Eagle Hey!" there as well!
What is your major and what do you plan on doing with it?
My major is Exercise Science and I plan to become a pediatric occupational therapist. But I am pretty indecisive so my plans may change in the future!
What has been your favorite class so far at Auburn? Why did you enjoy it so much?
My favorite class so far at Auburn is one I am currently in, English Composition 1. I have a great professor that is hands-on even though we meet virtually and I think the content of this class will be extremely helpful. I am learning how to use different citation formats and learning how to write not only personal narratives and persuasive work but more research-based and informative work, which I think will be beneficial in the future!
How would your friends and family describe you in three words?
My friends and family would describe me as sympathetic, caring, hard-working.
What is one interesting fact the Auburn Family should know about you?
One interesting fact the Auburn Family should know about me is that I attended an Arts School for nine years where I danced every day! I still dance weekly at a local studio in Auburn. Taking dance class and being on the equestrian team complement each other nicely! I think that my ballet classes help strengthen my core and balance which directly relates to my riding!
What is your favorite holiday and why?
My favorite holiday would be Thanksgiving. First of all, I crave the leftovers for 364 days after I eat them! I love Thanksgiving because it gives me the opportunity to see my extended family and my little cousins! I also enjoy a day devoted to remembering how lucky I am to be surrounded by so much love and so many great people.
Favorite spot on campus?
My favorite spot on campus is Wellness Kitchen! The staff is so friendly and welcoming even during a pandemic! I also enjoy Wellness Kitchen because they always play the BEST music and its nice to see familiar faces such as teammates and other members of athletics chowing down on some delicious food!
What has been your favorite memory so far with your teammates?
My favorite memory so far has been the nerf gun war! Fourteen of us battled to the death in the South Donahue halls. This was a moment of pure, competitive fun where I saw sides of people I had never seen before and worked with teammates I had never collaborated with. I will cherish this memory with my teammates forever and I hope to have some more battles in the future!