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.
Ellie Becker traveled across the country to come the Plains and has been a contributor in Horsemanship since she arrived. The Bellevue, Washington product has a handful of victories to her name, including a career-high 76.5 with an MOP. The multiple NCEA and SEC Academic Honor Roll honoree is graduating with a degree in marketing and a minor in animal sciences.
Q: How is this season different knowing it's your last year on the Plains?
"Knowing this is my last season on the Plains has made it even more special. However, I don't think it has fully hit me yet that my time at Auburn will be done in May. Knowing that this is my last year on the team, it has become even more important to me that I spend quality time with my teammates and leave the younger ones with all the tools they need to be successful. I've had an amazing experience here at Auburn and it is important to me that these girls and future members of Auburn equestrian get to have that same experience."
Q: How has your experience prepared you for life beyond college?
"My experience on this team has prepared me for life beyond college in many ways. It has engrained in me skills like time management, accountability, and resilience that I know will help me in my professional career. However, this experience has also taught me what it really means to work collectively as a team towards a goal. Being on this team is about so much more than buying into the program and working hard at practice. What really makes this team special is that culture and the, as Coach Williams always says, '39 other girls before yourself' mentality we have outside the arena."
Q: What would you like to say to the fans and the rest of the Auburn Family?
"I would like to thank the Auburn Family for their never-ending support. The Auburn Family is truly special and something I am very thankful to be a part of. War Eagle!"
Q: Looking back on all the big moments you've been a part of, what is one that really stands out?
"One moment that really stands out is when we won the NCEA Championship my freshmen year. It came down to the last point and had us all biting our nails. When Ashton Alexander's score came out and we realized we won, it was the most rewarding feeling after all the hard work we had put in throughout the year. When we returned to Auburn, we got to roll Toomer's with the Auburn Family and celebrate the outcome of all our hard work as team."
Q: If you had one piece of advice to give your younger self, what would it be?
"I would advise my younger self to take advantage of all the opportunities, experiences, and resources Auburn has to offer. One thing Coach Williams told the team my freshmen year was to make sure we devote the time and energy we need to school and the team, but don't miss out on experiencing Auburn. Getting involved outside of the team and athletics is something that can be challenging to do on a student-athlete schedule but also extremely rewarding. I began working as a sales representative for The Auburn Plainsman Newspaper my junior year and have worked this semester as the sales manager. Pursing opportunities and getting involved in different ways across campus has enhanced my already amazing experience of being a student-athlete here at Auburn and I would advise my younger self to seek out those kinds of opportunities sooner in my college career."
Q: What is your major and what is the next step for you after Auburn?
"My major is marketing and I also have a minor in animal sciences. I'm excited to launch my professional career in sales and am currently looking for jobs back home in the Seattle area. I am definitely going to miss Auburn, though."
Q: Going into the rest of the season, what is one thing you're looking forward to?
"One thing I'm looking forward to is hosting SEC Championships here at Auburn. SECs is always exciting, but it's especially special this year since we get to share the experience with the entire Auburn Family."
Q: Who is/was your favorite horse at Auburn and why?
"Hannah is my favorite. She's fun to ride and always tries her hardest for us."
Q: What is your favorite Auburn tradition and why?
"My favorite Auburn tradition is the eagle flying at the football games. It is always the highlight of my game day."
Q: Best Greg Williams quote?
"There are so many unique, and often puzzling, quotes to pick from. I would have to say my favorite quote is 'plant a seed for a tree you're never going to shade under' because it really embodies the importance of why we do what we do. This team is about so much more than riding horses and winning rings, it is about empowering young women and creating a program that will continue to do that for generations to come."