AUBURN, Ala. – The Auburn equestrian team capped the 2020-21 season with its annual banquet at the end of April, putting an exclamation on yet another record-breaking year.
The Tigers finished the regular season undefeated for the third straight time, going 6-0 overall with a Southeastern Conference-only schedule. The squad captured another SEC Championship, besting Georgia in the league title match. The conference crown marked the third in a row for the program.
Auburn then traveled to Waco, Texas for the 2021 NCEA Championship and saw its incredible streak come to an end. After 1,111 days and a 42-0 record, the top-ranked Tigers fell to No. 8 and host Baylor in the quarterfinals.
"This was probably one of the best teams to ever exist in the sport of collegiate equestrian," head coach Greg Williams said. "The loss was certainly unexpected, but we've moved on and will definitely learn from it."
Despite the uncharacteristic loss, the Tigers had much to celebrate at the end of the year. The squad swept the SEC Riders of the Year honors, while having three of the four SEC Freshman Riders of the Year. In addition, the Tigers totaled 12 NCEA All-America honors for the second straight season.
On top of the many accolades, Auburn looks ahead to 2021-22 as the team returns all but two starters. Seniors Terri-June Granger, Taylor Searles, Helen Ulrich and Taylor St. Jacques elected to capitalize on the NCAA's extra year option and will come back for their fifth season.
St. Jacques returns as the most decorated Jumping Seat rider in program history. She picked up first team All-America in both Fences and Flat this year and was the SEC Rider of the Year in both events. To top it off, St. Jacques was awarded the NCEA Fences Rider of the Year.
Going a perfect 18-0-0 over the two events this season, St. Jacques was named the team's Fences and Flat MVP as well as the overall Jumping Seat MVP.
The squad said goodbye to two seniors who decided to forego their extra year as well as junior McKayla Langmeier who chose to become a professional. Deanna Green and Ericka Koscinski concluded their four years on the Plains as two of the top contributors either in competition or behind the scenes, while Langmeier was a multiple All-American and two-time Fences Rider of the Year.
Koscinski, of Center Moriches, N.Y., was named the team's Unsung Hero at the annual banquet for her consistent efforts outside of the arena.
Green, an Ocala, Fla., native, finished her career among the program's best in both Horsemanship and Reining. The All-American and All-SEC performer ranks first in program history with 14 Horsemanship MOPs and is among the best in Reining MOPs. In addition, she and classmate Taylor Searles broke Auburn's Horsemanship wins record together as each have 42 in their careers.
Green was named the team's overall Western MVP for her contributions in both Horsemanship and Reining this season.
Searles picked up the team's Horsemanship MVP following another outstanding year in the event. She put together a 7-1-1 record and was named the SEC Horsemanship Rider of the Year as well as a first team All-American.
Sophomore Boo Kammerer guided the Reining corps in 2020-21, going 7-1-1 for the squad. She earned SEC Reining Rider of the Year honors and was also a first team All-American. The Mount Sterling, Ky., product was honored as the team's Reining MVP for her efforts.
Auburn saw a handful of freshmen really step up and shine this season. Isabella Tesmer, Madison Parduhn and Olivia Marino were contributors on the Western side, while Ellie Ferrigno provided depth and skill in Flat for Jumping Seat. Tesmer (Reining), Parduhn (Horsemanship) and Ferrigno were named SEC Freshman Riders of the Year in their respective events and the quartet were all placed on the SEC All-Freshman Team.
Tesmer, of Mount Orab, Ohio, was awarded the team's Rookie of the Year. She consistently put together timely rides to help Auburn pick up key points throughout her first season on the Plains.
The team also handed out awards for those working hard behind the scenes. Ulrich was given the Spirit Award, while Granger was named Iron Tiger. Junior Ellie Becker and freshman Helen Lohr were presented with the Western Work Horse and Jumping Seat Work Horse awards, respectively, while team manager Paulina Joachim was given overall Work Horse recognition.
With the unexpected end to the 2020-21 season at nationals, the Tigers have their eyes set on the future. With 16 of 20 competition riders returning, next year is on pace to be another big one for the program.
"This team is already committed to winning it all next year," Williams, the 2021 SEC Coach of the Year, said. "We just need to learn from our experiences and not forget the sting of a loss. We want to be contenders every year and I think we will be once again."