Auburn senior Genevieve Ahlstedt of Cohasset, Massachusetts began her Auburn equestrian story as a student manager and was determined to dedicate her time to the team in any way she was able.
“I just wanted to be a part of the program and do anything I could to help them succeed,” Ahlstedt said. “Whether it was being the student manager or then eventually becoming a part of the team, I just absolutely loved Auburn and the Auburn family.”
Ahlstedt began her riding journey when she was just six years old. Her parents told her if she wanted to begin riding, she was responsible for taking care of the horses. While she credits her journey to her to her parents, she also gives many thanks to her trainer, Kara Dougherty.
“She really pushed me to do the job,” said Ahlstedt. “As I’ve gotten older and looked back at the lessons she has taught me, I’m able to appreciate them and really embrace the good, bad and the ugly. I really am thankful to have her in my life.”
Ahlstedt is thankful for her immediate family and thanks the Auburn family for the support they have given her and her teammates.
“It’s crazy how much the Auburn community really does love Auburn equestrian, and we are so thankful every day that they’re able to come and support us and love our sport as much as we do,” said Ahlstedt.
Reflecting on her time on the team, Ahlstedt has made a lot of memories. However, nothing topped the unforgettable feeling of winning her first SEC Championship in Auburn. After their victory sunk in, Ahlstedt ran to Toomer’s Corner with friends and family to celebrate.
“It still gives me chills thinking about it,” Ahlstedt said. “Having the confetti go off at the barn and getting to celebrate at Toomer’s, that was truly the greatest feeling. Winning at home was such a special experience.”
These special moments have made a large impact on Ahlstedt’s time at Auburn and have left her with a grateful heart and unforgettable memories. Of all the moments and people she has met, she will miss her equestrian family the most.
“Having 45 girls that you know you can call and that you would do anything for them it’s truly a special family,” Ahlstedt said. “We love each other and we’re going to do everything to make not only the team successful, but everyone individually successful and make sure everyone reaches their full potential.”
When Ahlstedt is not in the barn or the classroom, she has been giving her free time to the Actuarial Club on campus. She plans on becoming an actuary in the northwest region when she graduates this spring.
Despite her busy schedule, Ahlstedt still finds time to take a step back and be thankful for the life she lives, and she encourages the next generation of student-athletes to do the same.
“Be appreciative of things, even when it gets hard,” Ahlstedt said. “Be grateful that you are able to run. I had to have surgery last year so really taking every moment and enjoying every moment. Embrace the challenge and use it to make yourself better.”
Looking ahead to the rest of the season, Ahlstedt and her teammates have high aspirations for themselves and the team. Ahlstedt explained how their goal this year is to leave a legacy. They plan to apply this to their personal attitudes and motivations and the impacts they leave on those around them.
“I want to make sure that when I do leave, that part of my legacy is working hard, always putting the team first, and always wanting to do the best and making everyone on the team successful,” Ahlstedt said on her personal goals.
“For the team, I hope we all embrace the idea of legacy and leaving something behind that’s greater than ourselves. As Coach (Greg) Williams always says, ‘plant a seed for a tree you will never shade under’,” she added.
Ahlstedt has seen the Auburn family support her at the barn, in the classroom and even in the airport. She expressed how much she values the love for equestrian.
“Sometimes I feel equestrian gets overlooked, so being at a university that celebrates it and loves on you, that’s super cool,” she said.
As her senior year gets closer to the end, Ahlstedt appreciates how Auburn has allowed her to grow in ways she had not expected when she originally came to the university.
“Auburn is such an incredible experience that you just cannot describe. That’s something that I will forever be grateful that I was a part of, and I will forever miss,” said Ahlstedt.