AUBURN, Ala. – Auburn equestrian's Greg Williams has been announced as a member of the National Collegiate Equestrian Association's (NCEA) Inaugural Hall of Fame Class.
"This means so much to me," Williams said. "Building this sport and the association has been my main mission not just at Auburn, but nationwide. To be recognized in the inaugural class is so meaningful and an enormous honor to me. I look forward to continuing to work with the NCEA for many years to come and to continue to grow this sport."
"Congratulations to coach Greg Williams on this richly deserved honor," Auburn athletic director John Cohen said. "Thanks to Greg's visionary leadership and tireless work ethic, Auburn's program has become collegiate equestrian's standard-bearer. To his long list of achievements including a combined 12 conference and national championships, it's entirely appropriate to add the title, Greg Williams, NCEA Hall of Famer."
After 28 years of leading the Auburn program, Williams transitioned to head coach emeritus following the 2022-23 season.
"There is no one more deserving of this honor than Coach Williams," head coach Jessica Braswell said. "He has pioneered the sport of equestrian, and his impact has been felt far beyond what he has accomplished at Auburn. His coaching accolades are extensive, but what he has done to elevate the sport really solidifies his legacy. I'm really happy for him and Auburn that his accomplishments and contributions are being recognized with this induction."
Williams has worked tirelessly to push the growth of the sport throughout his time on the Plains. Not only has he produced one of the most successful programs in the country, but Williams has also been instrumental in the addition of more varsity programs to the NCEA as well as creating a competitive format that maximizes opportunities for all student-athletes, which is used to this day in competition.
On the Plains, Williams orchestrated the building of the Auburn University Equestrian Center when the university's club team debuted in 1996 and helped to change the club program to Auburn's 21st varsity sport beginning the 2002-03 season.
As the head of the program, Williams finished with a 203-65 overall record in varsity competition. He was named the SEC Coach of the Year five times (2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023) and NCEA Coach of the Year twice (2019, 2020).
In over two decades as a varsity sport, the Tigers have totaled six national championships (2006, 2011, 2013, 2016, 2018, 2019), five Jumping Seat national titles (2008, 2011, 2013, 2018, 2019), one Western title (2018), six Southeastern Conference championships (2016, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023) and three Southern Equestrian crowns (2004, 2011, 2011).
Williams' student-athletes combined for 122 All-America accolades since the 2010-11 season and totaled 146 All-SEC and Freshman All-SEC selections.
Williams and his staff guided their student-athletes to nine NCEA Rider of the Year honors as well as 43 SEC Rider of the Year accolades.
In addition to excelling in competition, Williams' teams also produced in the classroom. Auburn totaled 106 NCEA All-Academic honorees since the organization began recognizing the honor in the spring of 2013.
