By Ryne Rickman, UT Martin Sports Information Director
WACO, Texas – The National Collegiate Equestrian Association released its preseason top-10 rankings for the 2022-23 campaign this afternoon and the University of Tennessee at Martin checked in at ninth place.
Defending national champion Oklahoma State earned the No. 1 spot in the poll and was followed by No. 2 Texas A&M, No. 3 TCU, No. 4 SMU, No. 5 Georgia, No. 6 Auburn, No. 7 Baylor, No. 8 Fresno State, No. 9 UT Martin and No. 10 South Carolina.
The Skyhawks return 26 riders and welcome nine talented newcomers to the roster in 2022-23, which will be head coach Kim Leiter’s third season at the helm. A total of 16 returners started at least once last season, combining for 99 head-to-head victories and 21 MOP accolades. UT Martin was ranked in the NCEA’s top-10 in nine out of 10 weeks after setting a school record with eight victories a year ago.
Amongst the Skyhawk returners is Julia Gilman, who was named a NCEA Ariat honorable mention All-American in flat last season after posting nine victories and three MOP’s. She is one of four returning All-Eastern College Athletic Conference recipients, including Reining Freshman of the Year Kate Davis (six wins, three MOP’s last season), all-fences member Haley Kane (10 victories, three MOP’s last year) and all-horsemanship honoree Emma Schaefer (four wins, two MOP’s in 2021-22).
Additionally, Tyler Anderson (flat), Sophia Sundem (flat), Aubrey Malone (reining) and Logan Putvinski (reining) captured ECAC Rider of the Week accolades during the 2021-22 campaign.
UT Martin starts its season in 12 days as it hosts Dartmouth at the Ned McWherter Agricultural Pavilion on Saturday, Oct. 1.
Graphic courtesy of UT Martin Sports Information