WACO, Texas – The National Collegiate Equestrian Association (NCEA) is pleased to announce the four finalists for the inaugural YETI Workhorse award, revealed Monday.
Baylor's Lauren Stebbins, Georgia's Kinsey Cooper, SMU's Ava Peck and UT Martin's Stevie Brown have been selected as the finalists for the first iteration of the honor.
The winner will be announced in-arena on Wednesday during the NCEA Championship Opening Ceremony at 6:30 p.m. ET in Ocala, Florida, at the World Equestrian Center.
The YETI Workhorse award honors the teammate who fully embodies the mission and heart of the team. She is the athlete who supports her teammates, cares deeply for the equine athletes, and defines success not solely by wins and losses in the competition ring, but by the dedication and effort she brings to the barn and locker room every single day. She radiates positivity, work ethic, and unwavering commitment. She elevates those around her, instilling confidence and belief in their ability to achieve their goals. Often an unsung hero, her impact is felt in every aspect of the program—her teammates and coaches know she plays an essential role in the team’s record, culture, and lasting legacy. She is the YETI Workhorse.
Selection of the award was made by members of the NCEA's Administrator Council along with a representative from YETI.
THE FINALISTS
Lauren Stebbins – Baylor – 5th Year – Atlanta, Ga.
A Jumping Seat rider earning her master's in business administration, Stebbins was described as consistently showing up with a strong work ethic, a willingness to support her teammates in any way possible, and a positive attitude that elevates everyone around her. She serves as the President of the Student-Athlete Advisory Council at Baylor and has competed on the Flat earning a record of 6-4-1 this season. She was named the Sic 'Em award winner for her team, given by the coaches to the student-athlete that shows endless dedication to Baylor and Baylor Equestrian, and has earned it three years in a row.
"Whether she’s helping others improve in and out of the arena, stepping into leadership roles on and off the team, or doing behind the scenes work that often goes unnoticed back in the barn, Lauren embodies reliability and selflessness," said her coaches. "Lauren's outward and unwavering love and dedication to Baylor and her team do not go unnoticed. Her dedication, grit, and team-first mindset truly exemplify what it means to be a YETI Workhorse."
Kinsey Cooper – Georgia – Senior – Montrose, Ga.
A Reiner for the Bulldogs, Cooper is a two-year captain and is an Agribusiness and Accounting major. She is described by her coaches as leading the program with quiet strength, unwavering selflessness, and an unmatched commitment to her teammates. She is a member of UGA's LEAD (Leadership Education and Development) program and has served as an ambassador for the College of Agriculture and Environmental Science. She's earned a spot on the NCEA APHA Academic Honor Roll twice and is a four-time J. Parker Reid Director of Athletics Honor Roll recipient. She has also been a longtime member of UGA Athletics' Pen Pal Program.
"Throughout her career, she has consistently stepped into the alternate role—one that often goes unseen—but she has never allowed her role to define her impact; instead, she has elevated it," said her coaches. "Kinsey is intentional in everything she does. She invests deeply in her relationships, making every teammate feel seen, supported, and valued. She is the steady presence in the locker room, the voice of encouragement in the barn, and the teammate who always puts the success of the team above her own. She says the hard things while pushing those around her to be better versions of themselves. She pours into every role this program asks of her—leader, supporter, competitor, and teammate—and does so with positivity, grit, and consistency. She has a way of approaching everything she does with a willingness and attitude that her teammates can’t help but follow. She is the epitome of someone you want as a representative of your university, team and of the equestrian community as a whole. Kinsey Cooper is not only deserving of the YETI Workhorse Award—she defines it."
Ava Peck – SMU – 5th Year – Los Angeles, Calif.
Earning her master's degree in management, Peck is a Jumping Seat athlete who has been said to be an incredible asset to the Mustangs' program, always putting the horses well-being first. A barn manager and stable hand for her home barn in Ocala, she has managed her online graduate program, captain's duties, while also traveling back and forth to Ocala to help at Makoto Farm whenever she can.
"She has the greatest work ethic," said the SMU coaches. "[She] is always at the barn before anyone else and stays long after to finish caring for the horses and cleaning up the barn. Zero task is beneath her and she has an impeccable eye for detail around the barn and when it comes to horse care. During her senior year, Ava had to have surgery on her back and was determined to recover in time to attend Nationals with the team. Despite doctor recommendations to limit her activity, Ava couldn’t be kept out of the barn during Nationals last year and kept us all on track throughout the week, making sure the horses always had what they needed. Then she was elected a team captain by her teammates for her final season with us, a true testament to her contribution and leadership. Ava has an incredible attitude and has been such an amazing addition to the roster. Her work as captain to keep everyone organized on meet days and to make sure chores are completed is unmatched. She can often be found doing extra chores herself and is a true inspiration to everyone around her."
Stevie Brown – UT Martin – Senior – Shelby, N.C.
A Reiner for the Skyhawks, Brown logged 71 hours of community service this season alongside her duties to the UT Martin program and will be returning for a 5th season. She is also a starter on the squad with a win rate of 53 percent and an average score of 70. Her coaches have said that her ability to balance the demands of being a student athlete, leader, and caretaker of the equine herd at UTM speaks to her character and commitment.
"Stevie’s impact is defined by her consistency, humility, and willingness to do whatever is needed without being asked," said the Skyhawk coaches. "She is often the first to step in and the last to leave, taking pride in the behind the scenes work that allows our team and horses to perform at a high level. She sets a standard through her actions, not her words, and that standard has elevated the expectations of those around her. Whether given a task or simply an idea, she takes full ownership and sees it through to fruition. She has earned the respect of her teammates, coaches, and the broader campus community through her reliability and trustworthiness. Whether she is managing the barn, assisting in academic labs, or leading service efforts, Stevie approaches every responsibility with professionalism and care. She embodies the YETI Workhorse in every sense. She leads through action, serves without seeking recognition, and consistently puts the needs of the team and our equine athletes above her own. Her impact is felt in every corner of our program, and her work ethic, humility, and commitment have left a lasting mark on our team’s culture and success."
About the NCEA
A non-profit corporation, the NCEA is a governing body to advance the sport of collegiate equestrian. The NCEA is responsible for the development and administration of equestrian rules and guidelines. Equestrian is subject to all NCAA policies and procedures in the same manner as other sports. In 1998, Equestrian was identified and adopted by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and the Committee on Women's Athletics (CWA) as an emerging sport for women at the Division I and II levels.
NCEA competitions are in a head-to-head format, and schools may choose to compete as a single or dual discipline team (Jumping Seat and Western). Each discipline has two events: in Jumping Seat, Fences and Flat, and in Western, Horsemanship and Reining. Teams can have five riders per event, with horses assigned by random draw at the start of the competition. Riders from opposing teams compete on the same horse, and whichever rider receives the higher score earns one point for her team. The level of difficulty is demonstrated by the accuracy of the pattern and how the competitor uses the horse to the best of her ability.
To stay up to date all year long on all things NCEA Equestrian, follow the organization on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram: @NCEA_Equestrian and @ncea_eq.
– collegiateequestrian.com –