Fresno State Athletics
Equestrian Senior Spotlight: Paige Pastorino
2/13/2018 10:32:00 AM | Equestrian
Equestrian Senior Spotlight: Paige Pastorino
FRESNO, Calif. - The fifth senior to be introduced before Senior Day on Saturday February 17 is Half Moon Bay, Calif., native Paige Pastorino.Â
The Bulldog hunt seat rider saw action in all four years while at Fresno State. Pastorino saw a fences career-high 85-76 victory in her junior campaign with a win and a MOP against TCU in the fall. As a senior, Pastorino has notched a 3-5 record in the fences with one MOP for her 82-78 victory at South Dakota State on Oct. 21, 2017.
Pastorino met with GoBulldogs.com to share her experience as a Bulldog. Â
Q: Why did you choose Fresno State?
Pastorino: "I chose Fresno State because it was the top school for my department which is Viticulture and Enology. I found out about the equestrian team after I had already toured the school so it was a plus for me that I could come and ride for the school as well."
Q: Who is your biggest riding influence?
Pastorino: "My biggest riding influence would be my trainer back home, Hope. I have rode with her since I was a freshman in high school and I have always aspired to be just like her. I look up to her as a person and I love the way she is with the horses and how she rides. She does it all the way that I want to do it."
Q:What advice would you give to future Bulldogs?
Pastorino: "When things get tough, don't let it get to you or bring you down. It might feel like the worst day ever but it really isn't going to be the worst day ever. If you don't agree with something or you see things a different way, just go with it and listen because it is not worth it. It will all work out in the end."
Q: What is your most memorable win as a Bulldog?
Pastorino: "My most memorable win would be at Nationals when I showed on the Flat. I was the only one to win my point against Texas A&M. We were getting pretty beat up. I just wanted to ride for myself so that it would help the team out. I did that and I think that it gave us a little bit of a boost of confidence."
Q: What is your favorite horse to ride?
Pastorino: "My favorite team horse to ride is probably Herby. I just like his personality, he can be sassy, but he keeps everything interesting."
Q: How would your teammates describe you?
Pastorino: "I hope my teammates describe me as someone that is there for them. Since I am a senior, I feel like a lot of the girls look to me for things and I really like that. I like to be that person for them because I wish I had that person when I was an underclassman. I hope they look at me as a role model when they need help or advice."
Q: What will you miss most about being a part of the equestrian program?
Pastorino: "I will miss the opportunities that I got while being a student-athlete; to travel around, the opportunities on campus, being recognized at different events. It makes us feel pretty good. I will miss all of the recognition of being a Fresno State student-athlete."
Q: What are your plans after graduation?
Pastorino: "To get a job around Sonoma County and work."
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