A question & answer with the 2025 NCEA Distinguished Alumni. The fourth iteration with South Carolina alumna Rebekah Roof Shaw.
What is your favorite memory from being on the equestrian team?
There are so many memories but I think the most electric single memory is at Nationals in 2007 in New Mexico. This was when English and Western competed in separate brackets so we were kind of divided when competing. This is also when everyone still didn't have text messaging or facetime or any of that. We had both just defeated our opponents in the semi-finals and knew we going to the finals- but english didn't know about western and vice versa and we were literally running to meet each other half-way between arenas and it was just the most fun moment finding out we were going to the finals and there was just no stopping us at that point and we went on to be National Champions. But that moment of celebrating each other after kind of clawing out of that underdog spot in semis was my favorite single memory.
Are you still involved with horses? How so?
My family still owns horses and my kids ride. My daughter, Katy (6), just started formal lessons and my son, Matt (3), is starting to ride our pony some. I enjoy teaching my kids about taking care of the horses and everything involved with that- from grooming to riding to putting up hay. I also stay connected to Gamecock Equestrian (my sister, Lydia, is the assistant barn manager) and enjoy going to meets and volunteering to help out with events.
Tell us a little bit about your current career and how. you got to where you are today?
Currently, I teach at VirtualSC, which is a free state-sponsored online school that serves students 6th-12th grade in South Carolina. This past fall I also was an adjunct professor at Midlands Technical College teaching dual enrollment College 105 courses in local high schools. I also adjunct for Low Country Virtual teaching Personal Finance. Previously, I taught in public schools in Texas and South Carolina. When I graduated from South Carolina with my business degree I continued at South Carolina to get my Master's degree in Business Education. Following completing my Master's I was accepted to Teach for America and taught two years in Fort Worth, Texas. After those two years I moved home to teach where I grew up. I love teaching career and technology courses to students and preparing high school students for higher education and the work force.
How did your experience as a student-athlete help propel you in your current career?
A lot of my work has been with high school students, dual enrollment, and an early college program. Having the experience of being an involved college student and a college athlete has helped me share my experiences with students. Personally, being a student-athlete prepared me to balance my life to be very organized and efficient while also doing things I love. Being a student-athlete also helped me become more service- minded and focus on giving back to communities that supported me.
How valuable was the opportunity to be a part of a team?
It was super valuable. I know for me it was my first experience of being on a team. In our sport when I was showing youth level, there really wasn't that team aspect of competing for the whole of the team. I'm excited to see IEA grow and give riders that opportunity before the college level. I was able to grow leadership skills and build life-long relationships.
If you could tell your college self anything, what would it be?
Pay attention more in that freshmen year accounting class! Other than that, I wouldn't change a thing! I had a blast, loved riding and showing with the team, loved being with an awesome group of girls and the best coaches. I pushed myself academically and socially and took the opportunities that presented themselves. I always tell my students to get involved and push themselves in college to try new things and meet new people- it's a time to really grow as a person.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
Definitely still teaching and mom-ing- I will have teenagers! My husband, Justin, and my kids and I love to travel and hope to add some travel in the next ten years. We will probably be driving our kids around to whatever activities they are involved in - maybe horse shows, soccer games, or 4-H- to be determined.