Senior Day for the 2021-22 Auburn equestrian team is set for Feb. 26 vs. Texas A&M and it's time to catch up with those spending their last season on the Plains.
Terri-June Granger is a fifth year that has put her name in Auburn's reining record books. The Dothan, Alabama native is just two wins away from tying the career wins record and she currently holds a share of Auburn's single season wins record with 13 reining victories in 2018. The All-American is also a two-time All-SEC performer and the 2020 SEC Reining Rider of the Year.
Q: How is this season different knowing it's your last year on the Plains?
"This season has been very special. I am so thankful that I have been able to be here for a fifth year. Knowing it would be my last, I have really tried to cherish my time with my teammates and work harder, so that when I am finished, I have no regrets."
Q: How has your experience prepared you for life beyond college?
"Being a part of the Auburn equestrian team has taught me many things that will contribute to life beyond college. It has taught me to work harder for others, to manage my time that will best benefit me as well as others, and to excel under pressure."
Q: What would you like to say to the fans and the rest of the Auburn Family?
"To the Auburn Family, thank you for being the family you claim to be. Thank you for shaping me into the person I am today and supporting me the past five years. Auburn will always hold a special place in my heart for it has been the place of some of the most special moments I have experienced and will cherish forever."
Q: Looking back on all the big moments you've been a part of, what is one that really stands out?
"When you have been on the best equestrian team in the country for five years, so many moments stand out. One of the most special moments to me was when we won the second national championship I was a part of in 2019. It was the first time an equestrian team had gone undefeated, but the best part of that was the group of girls I got to experience it with. The moment the final point came in that claimed the championship, it was pure joy and relief. I just remember thinking, 'we did it.'"
Q: If you had one piece of advice to give your younger self, what would it be?
"If I could give myself one piece of advice as a freshman, I would tell her to never rush a day by. I never thought four years would go by so fast, and especially not five. Cherish each day and the time you get on the team. It is a once in a lifetime opportunity and once you finish, there is no going back. "
Q: What is your major and what is the next step for you after Auburn?
"I am currently finishing up my Master's in Exercise Science with a focus in Biomechanics. I have always loved learning about the human body, and plan to become a Doctor of Chiropractic medicine. I am also engaged and am super excited to begin wedding activities after graduation."
Q: Going into the rest of the season, what is one thing you're looking forward to?
"I am really looking forward to postseason and getting to ride for championship rings. However, I am most excited to do it with my teammates, because these are the moments that I know I will remember the rest of my life no matter the results."
Q: Who is/was your favorite horse at Auburn and why?
"My favorite horse at Auburn is Matt. He is a very basic reiner and not the most talented but has always been a horse I get along with and have actually won the most MOPs on at Auburn. Since he is not the most talented, it has made them more special to me."
Q: What is your favorite Auburn tradition and why?
"My favorite Auburn tradition is when the eagle flies around the football field. I have loved that since I was little, and I always will."
Q: Best Greg Williams quote?
"My favorite quote from Coach Williams is actually a more recent one he has been instilling in us. He will say 'is that fair?', and our response is supposed to be 'doesn't matter.' He is a very fair and wonderful coach. But he wants us to acknowledge life isn't always fair and you must push on and overcome regardless of the hand you are dealt."