It's time to meet the Auburn equestrian freshman class as we bring you Q&As with the newcomers. Up next is Genevieve Cullen!
Hometown: Washington, D.C.
Major: Pre-Communication
Prior to Auburn: 2020 ASPCA Maclay Children's Hunters champion … 2020 Runner Up at the Classic at the Swan Lake Horse Show … Qualified and competed at the 2019 Washington International Horse Show … Qualified and competed at the 2019 Pennsylvania National Horse Show … Finished second at the 2019 Zone 3 Finals in the Children's Hunters … Multiple wins in the Children's Hunters.
Q: Why did you chose Auburn?
A: It was the complete package of everything I was looking for - big, but not too big, with great academics and a lot of football! The riding program was really the cherry on top. Before I visited for the first time, a family member who was a college athlete told me to follow the "Broken Leg Rule": If I could never play my sport again for whatever reason, would I still want to be there? With Auburn, it was an easy yes!
Being from Washington, D.C., what are your top three MUST SEE things in the city for visitors and why would you recommend them?
Of course the monuments are a must (I recommend going at night), but coming from a big DC sports family, I'd be remiss not to mention the crown jewels: the Caps and the Nats! The Capitals play at the CapitalOne Arena, and the Nationals are stationed at Nationals Park, hardly two miles from one another.
What is the coolest thing about being from Washington, D.C.?
Every time I fly home at night, be it from school or competition, I get to see the city lights out of my window. I think it's the most beautiful view there is!
How long have you been riding and what is the name of the first pony you rode?
I started taking lessons when I was ten years old. My first pony was a little white troublemaker called Fox Glen Blue Opal (or Opie) and I got him when I was 12. He is still sweet as can be and continues to teach kids the ropes in jumping at my first barn back home!
What is the best vacation you've ever been on and what made it so awesome?
In June 2018, my parents, sisters and I toured all over Italy. From sightseeing in a bustling Rome to making pasta in a Lucca winery. It was hot as can be, but I wouldn't trade it for the world!
What is your favorite dessert?
Cannolis! Despite being from an Irish family, no matter how stuffed I am, I'll always make room for a cannoli because they're delicious.
If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?
I would choose super speed because, that way, there might be a little more time in the day!
What is your favorite Auburn tradition?
I love the tradition of rolling Toomer's Corner! In high school, one of our oldest traditions included rolling classmates' houses, so I like to think I have a good deal of practice!
What is your major and what do you plan on doing with it?
I chose communications as a major because it is such a versatile field that can apply to several careers, though I hope to enter editing and publishing.
What movie could you watch on repeat and why would you chose that?
Catch Me If You Can! It's my favorite movie and everyone I've recommended it to has absolutely loved it! The quality of writing in tandem with Tom Hanks's and Leonardo DiCaprio's acting makes it the ideal movie to enjoy any time and any place.
How would your friends and family describe you in three words?
Loyal, witty, and empathetic.
What are your go-to pizza toppings?
Pepperoni and, if I'm really hungry, Italian sausage.
If you could sit down and have dinner with three people from history, who would they be?
Queen Victoria, F. Scott Fitzgerald, and, my great grandfather, Thomas Dempsey.
Favorite spot on campus?
The Student Center!
What has been your favorite memory so far with your teammates?
Our big home win against Texas A&M this past fall!