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!
Today's feature is Hannah Lemel! She joined the team last season and made an immediate impact through her leadership outside the competition ring. An active member in the Auburn community, Hannah was honored by being named to the 2022 Southeastern Conference Community Service Team.
In addition, she is an SEC Academic Honor Roll honoree. She recently graduated with her degree in animal sciences and will be going to medical school this July.
Q: How is this season different knowing it's your last year on the Plains?
A: "Since it is my last year here in Auburn, I have been trying to take everything in and take nothing for granted. It has been such a privilege to be a part of this team and work with my best friends to achieve our goals, so I have just tried to prioritize honoring that in my last year."
Q: How has your experience prepared you for life beyond college?
A: "This team has prepared me for life after college so well. I am attending medical school beginning in July, and the skills of teamwork, time management, and hard work that I gained because of the team is going to make my transition a lot easier."
Q: What are you most looking forward to as we head into postseason?
A: "I am looking forward to celebrating my teammates and all the hard work we have put in by hitting both championships hard. We are no strangers to working to get what we want, and I don't see that changing during championship season, so I am looking forward to going all in."
Q: If you had one piece of advice to give your younger self, what would it be?
A: "My advice to myself would probably be to trust the process. If you know me, I am a big planner. I like to know everything that will happen before it happens. But through this team, I have really learned that some of the best opportunities and experiences I will have in life cannot be predicted."
Q: What is your major and what is the next step for you after Auburn?
A: "I was an animal science major, but I am going to medical school at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine in Cleveland, Ohio, beginning in July!
Q: What is your favorite Auburn tradition and why?
A: "I love the eagle flight and when the drum major of the band does his routine at the beginning of the game and throws his mace into the ground. Both get me so excited for the game and make me love being at Auburn."
Q: Who is/was your favorite horse at Auburn and why?
A: "Buddy is the best! I got to spend a lot of time riding Buddy over the past year, and we have become quite the pair."
Q: Best Greg Williams quote?
A: "My favorite quote that Coach Williams says is when he reminds the team who we are to each other. He will say, 'remember you are your…' and the whole team responds, 'sister's keeper.' I love this because it really speaks to the team that we are and how much we genuinely care about each other in all areas of life."