The National Collegiate Equestrian Association has named Georgia junior Kendall Dean October’s Educated Rider Standout Student-Athlete.

Dean is a second-year Team IMPACT Fellow and the only Fellow at Georgia this year. Team IMPACT is a national nonprofit organization that matches children facing serious illnesses and disabilities with college athletic teams across the United States. Dean organized Georgia’s participation in Team IMPACT’s nationwide All-In 5K, helping connect student-athletes with the community and raise awareness for the organization. The event raised more than $4,000, and Georgia ranked seventh in fundraising among more than 100 universities.

As a person with Type 1 diabetes, Dean has drawn on her own experience to give back to families facing serious illnesses or disabilities. Her coaches praised her commitment to the team and the community.

NCEA congratulates Dean on the recognition and her work with Team IMPACT.

About the National Collegiate Equestrian Association

The National Collegiate Equestrian Association (NCEA) is a nonprofit governing body advancing collegiate equestrian competition nationwide. Recognized by the NCAA as an emerging sport for women at the Division I and II levels, the NCEA administers competition rules, championship formats, and national rankings while ensuring the sport operates in alignment with all NCAA policies and procedures.

NCEA competition features a unique head-to-head format across Jumping Seat (Fences and Flat) and Western (Horsemanship and Reining), where riders compete on the same randomly assigned horse, emphasizing skill, adaptability, and horsemanship. Through championship competition and national visibility, the NCEA champions opportunity, competitive excellence, and the continued growth of women’s collegiate athletics.

Follow NCEA year-round on Facebook, Twitter/X, and Instagram at @NCEA_Equestrian and @ncea_eq.

Media contact:
Chrystal Kramer
Director of Strategic Communications
communications@collegiateequestrian.com