AUBURN, Ala. – We're at the midseason break and it's time to get to know Auburn equestrian's newcomers! The first one of the new year is Molly Segars!
Hometown: Canton, Georgia
Discipline: Jumping Seat
Prior to Auburn: 2022 Zone Individual Final Low Junior Jumper Reserve Champion … Finished third in Team and fifth individually at the 2021 Zone Children's Jumper Final … Took fifth at the 2020 WIHS Childrens Jumpers … Participated in the 2022 EMO USHJA Jumping Seat Medal Finals, USEF Dover Medal Finals and ASPCA Maclay Finals.
Q: Why Auburn?
A: "I chose Auburn because the atmosphere is incomparable! I had been going to every meet that I could during my sister's freshman and sophomore years, and I loved seeing the energy and efficiency all the girls had. You could see how every person had their role during meet days and every person made a difference!"
Q: What is your major, and what do you hope to do with it after college?
A: "I am a pre-business major, and although I'm not set on one career goal right now, I know that this major is well rounded and will set me up for success no matter what path I decide to take."
Q: What is your favorite Auburn tradition?
A: "My favorite Auburn tradition is the pre-game traditions at football, such as the eagle fly over, the band, and tailgating. Even just going to the game and cheering on our team is always so much fun!"
Q: What are you most excited about looking ahead to the spring season?
A: "During this spring season, I am most excited to go to SECs and nationals for the first time as a part of the team. I loved watching them the past two years and I am so excited to be a part of the experience with the team this year."
Q: What are your goals for the rest of the season both individually and with the team?
A: "My goals for the rest of the season include making more time for personal interests, such as reading and hiking. Finding time to do things for fun is challenging, but now that I have gotten used to the schedule we have, I think it will be easier next semester. My goal for the team is to continue to work hard and finish this year as strong as possible!"
Q: What is your favorite sport to watch at Auburn besides equestrian and why?
A: "My favorite sport to watch at Auburn is football. Being in the student section and feeling everyone's energy around you is so thrilling. It's the best when they have light shows in between quarters or during halftime!"
Q: When did you start riding horses and what was the name of your first pony?
A: "I started riding when I was a baby, and my first pony was named Bridgette. She was a miniature chocolate palomino and had the longest and thickest mane that I always loved to brush."
Q: What has it been like being on the team with your sister, Mary-Grace? Has she given you any good advice?
A: "Being on the team with my sister has been so much fun. I am so grateful to have her to guide me through everything and I know I am extremely lucky that we are so close. Some good advice that she has given me is that someone is always watching, so even if you feel like all of your hard work is going unnoticed, there is always someone silently appreciating you."
Q: How would your friends and family describe you in three words?
A: "I think my friends and family would describe me as funny, diligent, and honest. I love to make people laugh and I am very passionate about working just as hard off the horse as you would on them. I find that goals are so much more achievable when you work hard in every aspect of this sport."
Q: What horse is your favorite to ride at Auburn and why?
A: "My favorite horse to ride at Auburn is Swag! He is just so comfortable and it's so easy to enjoy riding him. He also has the sweetest face and personality, so he is a classic favorite for everyone even if they don't ride him frequently."
Q: What has been your favorite memory with the team so far?
A: "My favorite memory with the team so far was watching my teammates go on a massive swing at an outdoor amusement park during our beach trip to Gulf Shores back in August. The coaches went on it too, which made it even more memorable! The entire trip was so much fun and I am so grateful we got the opportunity to go."
Q: What is your favorite home-cooked meal?
A: "My favorite home-cooked meal is a pasta with Italian sausage. It's made with my dad's tomato sauce that he makes with the tomatoes and basil he grows himself and grilled Italian sausage and pasta. It's so simple but with the homemade sauce it is one of my all-time favorites!