On The Plains: Elizabeth Klein

Senior Elizabeth Klein has made the most of every opportunity, never wavering in her commitment to her teammates and consistently giving her all to the team.

A native of Simpsonville, Kentucky, Klein was introduced to horseback riding at a young age. With both of her parents involved in equestrian professionally, she quickly developed a passion for the sport. A passion that continued to grow throughout high school under her parents’ guidance and support.

“Every day we’d go home and go over things like how I can improve,” Klein said. “That’s kind of how I do everything in my life, based on how I can improve and not just accept everything, and instead always strive to be better.”

The decision to come to Auburn was an easy one for Klein as she fell in love with the campus and knew that Auburn was the place she was supposed to be.

“I chose Auburn after I went on tours, and the second I stepped on the campus, it just felt like home,” Klein said. “I loved how many traditions we have here. It just meant something more.”

Klein began her collegiate career on Auburn’s club equestrian team and competed during her freshman and sophomore years, building relationships and gaining valuable experience along the way.

“On the club team, I competed a good bit,” Klein said. “I was a leader there and was friends with a lot of the upperclassmen. They’re (the club team) also at the same facilities as the varsity team so I got to be around the other team and learn what to do. It was an easy transition.”

After two years on the club team, Klein’s hard work paid off as she got an opportunity to walk on the varsity team and was able to continue to strengthen the bond with her teammates.

“It doesn’t matter if you’re a starter or a walk on,” Klein said. “We all value each other and what everybody brings to the table, and it just kind of makes you realize you are important and we’re all part of something bigger than ourselves. That’s just really special.”

Klein credits her resiliency to her work ethic and determination, and her focus on never taking anything for granted while always remembering to stay humble.

“That hard work goes a long way, and not to give up on your dreams,” Klein said. “I always wanted to be a part of this team and it didn’t happen for me right away, but I didn’t give up. I took every opportunity I could and ended up where I never thought I would. There are so many girls who, if any of us stepped down, would take our spot in a heartbeat. So many people want this and to know that I have that, is really special. Hard work pays off.”

Throughout her time on the team, Klein has provided depth for the Tigers in Jumping Seat and has experienced countless memorable moments, but it’s the challenges that have left the greatest impact on her.

“The hardest times are the memories that stick out the most to me, just because we had to come together and do things,” Klein said. “SECs last year or nationals, even though it didn’t go the way we wanted, we still powered through and kept doing everything. We made the most of it.”

Klein has been grateful for the connections she has made with her teammates throughout her time on the team and how special those bonds have become.

“It’s like a different type of friend,” Klein said. “You find people who will help you anywhere. Like if you’re having a bad day, they’ll pick you up. We’re together so much. It’s a deeper friendship than I would have with my other college friends. It’s really special.”

The coaching staff has helped push Klein to new heights and has played a crucial role in her development on the team and the discipline needed as a student-athlete.

“They always challenge us to be our best,” Klein said. “Whether it’s in the gym, in the ring, in the classroom. We’re striving to be better wherever we can, and it’s pushed me in times where I would say it doesn't matter, but it does. They see it, and we’re all working for it.”

The Auburn family has played an integral part in Klein’s collegiate career, embracing the tradition and community aspects that the Loveliest Village on the Plains is known for.

“Everybody loves it here,” Klein said. “We’re not just here to go to school. We are here to live in Auburn, be fans, and be a family. It’s more than just a school.”

Looking back at her time on the team, Klein has emphasized the importance of remaining grounded and grateful for each opportunity.

“Find something to be grateful for, even on the hardest days,” Klein said. “Find something that can help push you onto the next day. Take each day as it comes and just find something to be grateful for.”