AUBURN, Ala. – After a successful career as a student-athlete with the Auburn equestrian team, Emma Kurtz will join the staff as an assistant coach. Head coach Jessica Braswell announced the addition on Monday.
"I am excited to bring Emma on board as coach," Braswell said. "She had an outstanding collegiate career and already knows what it takes to win championships. Emma also had a very successful junior career in the industry, which will pay dividends in recruiting. Most importantly, Emma knows Auburn and this program which will make her transition into coaching seamless."
Kurtz will serve as Jumping Seat coach for the Tigers in her new role. She replaces Braswell, who served in the position for the last 12 years.
A member of the team from 2018-23, Kurtz was a part of many major moments for the Tigers. She played a big role in Auburn's first of two undefeated seasons as a freshman in 2019 and helped the team win its second-straight national title. In addition, Auburn won both Jumping Seat and Flat national crowns that season.
Kurtz was also a part of Auburn's five-straight Southeastern Conference championships (2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023).
Individually, Kurtz finished her time as a student-athlete with eight All-America honors. That total is the most by any Tiger in program history. In addition, she is a six-time All-SEC honoree. She was named the 2022 SEC Fences Rider of the Year and concluded her career tied for first in program history with 57 career wins in Fences. Her 48 career wins in Flat is tied for second most.
Kurtz earned her degree in finance in May 2022 and will finish her Master of Business Administration in December 2023.