By: Emma Thomas, Auburn Athletics Communication Intern
The top-ranked Auburn equestrian team has welcomed 22 new faces to the squad in 2024-25 and it’s time to get to know them!
Up first is Jill Alexander!
Class: Sophomore
Hometown: Chelsea, Alabama
Discipline: Jumping Seat
Prior to Auburn: Qualified for National Horse Show 2021, 2022 and 2023 … Qualified for the Capital Challenge, Junior Hunter Finals, Children Hunter Finals and Washington International Horse Show … IEA National qualifier.
Q: What made you want to go to Auburn?
A: “I grew up visiting Auburn and I have always loved Auburn's campus. I also love that Auburn has a small town feel and everyone is so friendly and welcoming!”
Q: What is your major and what do you plan to do with it after you graduate?
A: “I am majoring in Hospitality on the event management track. When I graduate, I hope to own and operate an event venue.”
Q: What is your favorite Auburn tradition and why?
A: “My favorite Auburn tradition is the eagle flight before football games. I love this tradition because it is unique to Auburn and gets everyone excited for the game!”
Q: What are you looking forward to in the spring part of season and what has been your favorite part so far now that the fall is done?
A: “I am most looking forward to SECs in the spring, and my favorite part of the fall semester has been our home meets!”
Q: How long have you been riding horses and what was the name of your first horse?
A: “I have been riding horses since I was five years old, and the name of my first horse was Sporty.”
Q: What has been your favorite riding memory throughout your entire time with the sport?
A: “My favorite riding memory was my last show as a junior. I got to go to this show with my dad and it was my last show with my equitation horse who I loved! It was bittersweet but a great memory to end my junior career.”
Q: What is it like joining the team after your freshman year?
A: “Joining the team has been such a rewarding experience. I have loved being part of something bigger than myself and being surrounded by hard working teammates. Auburn has the best resources for us, which makes balancing school and athletics way easier.”
Q: Where is your favorite place to be on campus or around Auburn and why?
A: “My favorite place on campus is the rooftop at the Rane Center! It has the best view of downtown and the stadium.”
Q: What is your favorite Auburn sport to go to and why?
A: “My favorite Auburn sport to go to is basketball because it is fast paced, and the student section is always high energy.”
Q: What are some hobbies that you like to do outside of riding?
A: “When I am not riding, I love to bake and cook. I also love going to Pilates classes with my teammates.”
Q: What is your favorite trip you have taken or your dream trip that you want to take?
A: “My favorite trip I have taken was to New York for the Thanksgiving Day parade!”
Q: What is your favorite home cooked meal and what makes it so special?
A: “My favorite home cooked meal is anything me and my brothers make. We all love cooking so being in the kitchen together is special to me! One of our favorite meals to make is braised short rib.”
Q: Do you have a pre-meet routine? If so, what is it?
A: “Before home meets, I usually help braid horses and listen to music!”
Q: What has been the best concert you’ve ever attended?
A: “The best concert I have ever attended was The Lumineers in Nashville.”
Q: If you could have any actor portray you in a movie, who would it be any why?
A: “If I could have any actor portray me in a movie, I would pick Jenna Ortega because I dressed up as Wednesday Addams for Halloween two years in a row.”