It's time to meet the newcomers to the 2021-22 Auburn equestrian team!
Up next is a freshman from Memphis, Tennessee…Hallie Rush! Hallie won individual gold at the 2019 US Pony Jumping Championship and was a part of the silver-winning team in both 2019 and 2018. In addition, she was a four-time USEF Horse of the Year Open winner and a three-time Zone 4 Horse of the Year champion.
Q: Why did you choose Auburn?
"I chose Auburn because of the home feeling it gives you. It felt right every time I visited, and the people are all so friendly. I also came for the team as well and the crowd just seemed like a good fit for me."
How long have you been riding?
I have been riding since I was five-years old, so currently 13 years.
What was the name of your first pony?
"As far as I can remember, my first pony was Cynnamon. She was a little bay Welsh pony that I shared with my older brother at the time."
Favorite Auburn tradition?
"I would say the eagle flight before football games, but I have yet to experience a Toomer's Corner roll so that could change."
What is the movie you would watch for the rest of your life?
"Definitely Lilo and Stich. Itt has always been my favorite childhood movie and I still watch it regularly to this day."
What three teammates would you bring on your dream vacation?
"Anna Marie Mayes (we have been best friends since we were six), Boo Kammerer, and Kate Buchanan. I feel like that would be a pretty fun trip."
Do you have a pre-meet routine?
"Always, always, always listen to Stay Fly by Three 6 Mafia."
Go to guilty pleasure?
"Insomnia. Cookies. That's it, that's all."
Who is your celebrity crush?
"Michael B. Jordan"
Something that instantly makes your day better…
"A good drive with the windows down and music blaring."
What song gets you on the dancefloor?
"Any 2000s rap."
What is your major and why?
"Business Management with an interest in Family Business and Entrepreneurship as a minor. When I leave college, I would like to go pro at some point in the horse industry and start my own business. I think this major would be the most beneficial for my plans.
Are you a part of any extracurricular activities?
"I am a part of the committee for the Equity and Inclusivity group which is a subcommittee of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) at Auburn."
What do you want to do with your major after college?
"I would like to have my own barn and training facility after college. I would like to give it some time, so it definitely won't be immediately after I graduate."
How has your family's athletic history influenced you to be where you are today?
"Everyone in my family has at some point played a sport in their lifetime, and most played in college with my grandfather also going pro. Being an athlete wasn't looked at as a choice, but I ended up really loving the sport every step of the way and I am glad I was started early. I think since most everyone in my family has played a sport it made me a little stronger and more competitive because we all push and support each other that much more