Emma Thomas, Auburn Athletics Communications Intern
AUBURN, Ala. - 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!
Today’s feature is freshman Siena Holyoak!
Hometown: Morgan, Utah
Discipline: Western
Prior to Auburn: Two-time NSBA World Champion – Color 14-18 Horsemanship … 2022 NSBA Reserve Champion – Color Trail … Finished third in Color Trail at 2023 NSBA … Finished third in L3 Showmanship in 2023 … L3 & L2 Reserve Champion in horsemanship – 2023 … 2023 NSBA World Champion in Breeders Cup Trail Stakes Color … 10-time APHA world champion and four-time APHA reserve champion.
Q: What made you want to go to Auburn?
A: “I really enjoy all of the school spirit, and the campus felt like home.”
Q: What is your major and what do you plan to do with it after you graduate?
A: “My major is biomedical sciences and after I graduate, I plan to go to med school and become an anesthesiologist.”
Q: What is your favorite Auburn tradition and why?
A: “My favorite Auburn tradition is rolling Toomer's Corner! It is so fun seeing everyone go over after a game and displaying how much pride they have for Auburn.”
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 looking forward to all the meets we have in the spring and also spending time with friends. My favorite part of fall semester was going to football games and being a part of such an amazing team.”
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 my first horse's name was Lucy.”
Q: What has been your favorite riding memory throughout your entire time with the sport?
A: “This last November my trainer Carly Parks won the senior trail with our favorite horse. She is the most hardworking person I know and seeing her dreams come true meant the world to me.”
Q: How has your freshman experience been so far?
A: “I feel like I have grown so much as a person and I have met so many amazing people.”
Q: Where is your favorite place to be on campus or around Auburn and why?
A: “I really like the Wellness Kitchen or having dinner with friends anywhere around Auburn.”
Q: What is your favorite Auburn sport to go to and why?
A: “I love going to basketball games! The crowd is so electric, and the game is fast-paced and fun to watch.”
Q: What are some hobbies that you like to do outside of riding?
A: “I like to ski and snowboard with my family, or any sort of outdoor activity. I also like to read.”
Q: What is your favorite trip you have taken or your dream trip that you want to take?
A: “My dream trip is to go to Greece.”
Q: What is your favorite home cooked meal and what makes it so special?
A: “Anything my mom cooks is so good I can’t pick a favorite.”
Q: Do you have a pre-meet routine? If so, what is it?
A: “I like to go get a coffee with friends.”
Q: What has been the best concert you’ve ever attended?
A: “My favorite concert I have been to was The Weeknd.”
Q: If you could have any actor portray you in a movie, who would it be any why?
A: “I think either Gal Gadot or Megan Fox. I think they are both good actresses and they would do a good job.”