A question & answer with the 2025 NCEA Distinguished Alumni. The fifth iteration with Oklahoma State alumna Lauren Halvorson Daniels.
What is your favorite memory from being on the equestrian team?
This is hard because there are so many! Of course winning the national championship will always be one of my proudest moments. However, when I look back on the sisterhood I had with my teammates - it's something that I've never felt before. That's the most endearing part - aside from meeting my heart horse, Scotty. He was the first horse I rode in my first practice at OSU and we were lucky enough to retire him at my family's ranch last year.
Are you still involved with horses? How so?
I'm not as involved as I'd like to be, as a busy working mom. However, I do go ride Scotty and other horses at my parents' ranch with my kids, which is so special to me.
Tell us a little bit about your current career and how. you got to where you are today?
Right now I work in communications and media relations for Love's Travel Stops, at the Oklahoma City corporate headquarters. I've been with Love's for more than a year and love working for the family-owned company. Prior to this position, I worked in TV news for more than 8 years as an anchor and reporter, with the majority of that time at the NBC affiliate in Oklahoma City.
How did your experience as a student-athlete help propel you in your current career?
Being a student-athlete taught me all about work ethic and balancing multiple responsibilities. I'm not afraid of early alarms and good old-fashioned hard work.
How valuable was the opportunity to be a part of a team?
Being a part of a team was extremely valuable. I have always been shy so making friends could be challenging growing up. However, when you spend so much time with a group with common passions and a common goal, it creates a bond unlike any other. Even though it's been 10 plus years since I graduated, I still consider my teammates family.
If you could tell your college self anything, what would it be?
Honestly - I don't have any advice for her. I learned so many lessons and grew so much. I had so much fun and savored every moment. I truly have no regrets.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
Hopefully spending a lot more time in the saddle!