AUBURN, Ala. – The 2023 postseason is just around the corner and Auburn equestrian would like to take this time to catch up with its 2023 senior class!
Our next senior is Rachel Hoopman! The Coeur d'Alene, Idaho product has been a solid contributor in Horsemanship for the Tigers throughout her career on the Plains. Highlighting her time with the program was her 81 points in a win as a sophomore to earn Most Outstanding Performer honors. That score ranks first in Auburn program history.
Rachel is a multiple SEC Academic Honor Roll honoree and is majoring in finance.
Q: How is this season different knowing it's your last year on the Plains?
A: "I think this season is different because as a senior class, we're experiencing a lot of 'lasts' – last home meet, last football game, last media day, etc. It's definitely a bittersweet time of the year but has also made me look back on the incredible memories and friendships made over the past four years."
Q: How has your experience prepared you for life beyond college?
A: "Being on the team has instilled time management skills, flexibility, responsibility, and confidence. Having a busy plate with academics, practice, workouts is not for the faint of heart, but it helps build the ability to juggle a lot of tasks – a vital skill for post-grad. Being on the team requires personal responsibility and attention to detail which will only help you in the future. Personally, I think I have learned to be more flexible and resilient to changes as well as more confident in myself."
Q: You are a long way from home. What was it about Auburn that brought you all the way South?
A: "I visited Auburn when I was 14-years old for a camp and instantly knew Auburn was where I wanted to be. For me, Auburn was very different from anywhere I had ever lived, and I looked forward to the challenge of living somewhere completely different. Although I don't necessarily enjoy the humidity of the South, I really enjoy the food and being at a Southeastern Conference school."
Q: If you had one piece of advice to give your younger self, what would it be?
A: "If I could give myself one piece of advice it would be to not shy away from opportunities that may intimidate me. I like the saying, 'If not now, then when?' Fortune favors the bold, and I think being on the team has encouraged me to be more confident in my abilities and challenge myself in new areas.
Q: What is your major and what is the next step for you after Auburn?
A: "I am majoring in finance with a minor in animal science. After graduation, I will be moving to San Diego, California where I will be working for the company I interned with this past summer. I will be working in corporate finance in the medical device industry."
Q: What is your favorite Auburn tradition and why?
A: "My favorite Auburn tradition is the eagle flight before football games. The atmosphere in the stadium is always electric during this."
Q: Who is/was your favorite horse at Auburn and why?
A: "My favorite horse that has been at Auburn is Charles. He's retired now and I am so lucky to have gotten to take him home with me. He's goofy, spunky, but is always dependable and loves being with his people. He's been a part of my family since I was 11 and got to come to Auburn with me as a freshman. I'm so glad we get to keep growing up together."
Q: Best Greg Williams quote?
A: "My favorite Greg Williams quote is 'Plant a seed under a tree you'll never see shade under.' The basis of the team operates under this principle and instills the idea that what we do each day will positively impact the women in sports that will come after us and honor the actions of the women that came before us."