Annual equestrian awards are released by the Southeastern Conference.
The Southeastern Conference (SEC) has once again showcased its commitment to excellence in collegiate athletics by announcing its annual equestrian awards. With elite performances, breakout stars, and dominant teams on display throughout the 2024-25 season, this year’s honors recognize individual brilliance and team-wide consistency across the sport’s disciplines. As equestrian gains greater prominence within NCAA competition, the SEC remains a powerhouse, routinely producing top-tier riders, coaches, and programs.
This year’s awards celebrate the very best in horsemanship, sportsmanship, and competitive spirit from a season that delivered memorable matchups and high-stakes drama. From seasoned seniors riding off into the sunset to underclassmen asserting their dominance, the 2024-25 SEC equestrian awards offer a snapshot of a sport thriving at the collegiate level.
SEC Rider of the Year: Ava Matthews, Georgia
There was little debate surrounding the SEC’s top individual honor this season. Georgia senior Ava Matthews, a cornerstone of the Bulldogs’ roster, was named SEC Rider of the Year following a near-flawless season in both Equitation on the Flat and Equitation Over Fences.
Matthews recorded a combined record of 17-2 across both events, notching an impressive 11 Most Outstanding Performer (MOP) honors. Her technical precision, fluidity in transitions, and poise under pressure made her a formidable competitor throughout the year. But beyond statistics, Matthews brought leadership to Georgia’s lineup, mentoring younger riders and setting a tone of professionalism and accountability.
“I’m honored to receive this award, but it’s really a team achievement,” Matthews said. “None of my success this season would have been possible without the support of my coaches, teammates, and the incredible horses I’ve been fortunate to work with.”
Her dominance on the flat, in particular, was a game-changer for Georgia, often giving them the edge in dual meets. As she concludes her collegiate career, Matthews leaves behind a legacy of excellence that will resonate in Athens for years to come.
Freshman of the Year: Sydney Colton, Texas A&M
Few newcomers made an impact quite like Sydney Colton, who earned the SEC Freshman of the Year honor for her remarkable debut with the Texas A&M Aggies. Competing primarily in Horsemanship, Colton posted an 8-3 record and tallied four MOPs—showing poise and maturity well beyond her years.
Colton’s breakthrough performance came in a high-stakes meet against Auburn, where she posted a career-best 78.5 to secure a crucial point in a tight contest. She followed it up with back-to-back 77+ scores in rivalry wins over Georgia and South Carolina.
Texas A&M head coach Tana McKay praised Colton’s work ethic and adaptability. “Sydney came in ready to compete at a high level. Her attention to detail in practice translated beautifully to competition, and she consistently rose to the occasion.”
With Colton returning for three more years, the Aggies appear well-positioned to remain a force in the SEC.
Coach of the Year: Greg Williams, Auburn
Auburn’s continued excellence in the equestrian world is no accident. Under the leadership of Coach Greg Williams, the Tigers once again turned in a dominant season, finishing atop the SEC regular season standings with a 9-1 conference record and a sweep of all home meets. For his efforts, Williams has been named SEC Coach of the Year for the fifth time in his career.
The Tigers’ success in 2024-25 hinged on balanced contributions across all events. While standout individuals shined, it was Auburn’s depth and consistency that defined the season. Williams cultivated a culture where every rider understood their role, and no meet was ever taken lightly.
“This group was incredibly focused from day one,” Williams said. “They bought into the team-first mentality and competed selflessly. It was one of the most coachable groups I’ve ever had.”
Now entering his third decade with the program, Williams continues to evolve his coaching approach while maintaining Auburn’s reputation as a national powerhouse.
Event Riders of the Year
Each discipline recognized a standout performer who consistently excelled:
Equitation on the Flat: Grace O’Connor, South Carolina
O’Connor led the SEC in average score (87.1) and was a three-time MOP winner. Her grace, control, and command of the arena earned widespread respect.
Equitation Over Fences: Ava Matthews, Georgia
Already named Rider of the Year, Matthews’ Over Fences dominance cannot be overstated—she posted an 8-1 record with a season-high score of 91.
Horsemanship: Lucy Hayward, Auburn
Hayward was a rock in Auburn’s Horsemanship lineup, going 9-1-1 and delivering under pressure. Her highlight reel included a 79.5 score in the SEC Championship.
Reining: Emma Delgado, Texas A&M
Delgado’s technical prowess made her a fan favorite. She posted the highest individual reining score of the season—a 74.5—against South Carolina.
All-SEC Teams
First Team All-SEC honors were awarded to riders who distinguished themselves through consistent high-level performance:
- Ava Matthews, Georgia (Flat, Fences)
- Lucy Hayward, Auburn (Horsemanship)
- Grace O’Connor, South Carolina (Flat)
- Emma Delgado, Texas A&M (Reining)
- Haley Brewer, Auburn (Reining)
- Chloe Bennett, Georgia (Fences)
- Natalie Sims, South Carolina (Horsemanship)
Second Team All-SEC honors went to those who demonstrated elite potential and delivered big moments throughout the season.
- Sydney Colton, Texas A&M (Horsemanship)
- Morgan Reed, Auburn (Flat)
- Julia Banks, Georgia (Reining)
- Madeline Jones, South Carolina (Fences)
- Kayla Larson, Texas A&M (Flat)
- Brooke Sutton, Auburn (Horsemanship)
Scholar-Athlete of the Year: Natalie Sims, South Carolina
The SEC continues to prioritize academic excellence, and this year’s Scholar-Athlete of the Year, Natalie Sims, exemplifies that mission. A senior majoring in biomedical engineering, Sims maintained a perfect 4.0 GPA while serving as a captain for the Gamecocks.
On the arena floor, Sims was a reliable point-earner in Horsemanship. Off it, she worked with local schools to promote STEM education and mentor young riders through South Carolina’s community engagement programs.
“I’ve always believed in being a complete student-athlete,” Sims said. “I’m proud of what I’ve achieved in the classroom and the arena. Both have challenged me in different but meaningful ways.”
A Growing Stage for Collegiate Equestrian
As the NCAA continues to evaluate equestrian as a potential championship sport beyond the National Collegiate Equestrian Association (NCEA) umbrella, the SEC’s leadership role becomes increasingly important. With programs investing in facilities, recruiting internationally, and boosting their fan base, the sport is experiencing steady growth.
The 2024-25 season saw a marked increase in meet attendance and digital engagement across SEC schools. Auburn and Georgia led the way in social media reach, while South Carolina set a program record for home meet attendance during its rivalry clash with Texas A&M.
More high school riders are now viewing SEC programs as the ultimate collegiate destination. Recruiters are seeing deeper talent pools and a shift in mentality—where being a student-athlete in equestrian is as serious as football or basketball.
Looking Ahead
With this season’s awards officially in the books, attention now turns to the offseason. Graduation will see the exit of stars like Matthews, Sims, and O’Connor, leaving big shoes to fill. But with rising stars like Sydney Colton, Kayla Larson, and Julia Banks waiting in the wings, the SEC’s equestrian future is in capable hands.
Coaches will now hit the recruiting trail, prepare summer training regimens, and set goals for the 2025-26 campaign. One thing is certain: the bar has been raised once again, and the SEC will continue to be the gold standard in collegiate equestrian.
The annual SEC equestrian awards offer more than just trophies and accolades—they reflect the tireless effort, grit, and passion poured into the sport by its athletes, coaches, and supporters. As equestrian continues its steady march toward greater national relevance, the Southeastern Conference stands at the forefront, pushing boundaries and setting standards.
Whether it’s a buzzer-beating Reining ride, a flawless Flat performance, or a breakout freshman staking her claim, this season delivered on every front. The stars of 2024-25 have had their moment. Now, the countdown to next season begins.
