April 29, 2008

COLUMBIA, S.C. - The University of South Carolina equestrian team held its postseason banquet Sunday night at the Frank McGuire Room where team superlatives and the 2008-09 team captains were announced. In addition, senior Kristen Terebesi was honored by the South Carolina Athletics Department as the Co-Female Athlete of the Year after winning individual national championships in equitation on the flat and equitation over fences this season.

Awards handed out ranged from "Most Team Spirit" to "Most Dedicated" with the team also voting on MVP's in each of the four riding events. Senior Allison Bradley earned MVP honors in horsemanship while freshman Kyla Thurlow was named team MVP in reining. Terebesi earned MVP honors in both Hunter Seat events.

Junior Rebekah Roof earned the Team Spirit award and was a co-winner with junior Sarah Stephens for the team's Most Improved honor. Junior Courtney Reese was named Most Dedicated while senior Jamie Diamond was given the Perseverance Award after missing her entire senior season recovering from a foot injury. Senior Michelle Grah was honored with the Coaches Award.

The team also announced that rising seniors Courtney Reese and Rebekah Roof will serve as captains for the 2008-09 season.

MVP Horsemanship - Allison Bradley, Sr. (Lancaster, Calif.)
MVP Reining - Kyla Thurlow, Fr. (Pompano Beach, Fla.)
MVP Equitation - Kristen Terebesi, Sr. (Glenmoore, Pa.)
MVP Equitation over Fences - Kristen Terebesi, Sr. (Glenmoore, Pa.)
Most Dedicated - Courtney Reese, Jr. (Tryon, N.C.)
Team Spirit - Rebekah Roof, Jr. (Lexington, S.C.)
Most Improved - Sarah Stephens, Jr. (Chalfont, Pa.) and Rebekah Roof, Jr. (Lexington, S.C.)
Perseverance Award - Jamie Diamond, Sr. (Ocala, Fla.)
Coaches Award - Michelle Grah, Sr. (Maryville, Tenn.)