Fresno State Athletics
Equestrian Senior Spotlight: Kylina Chalack
2/6/2018 10:40:00 AM | Equestrian
Equestrian Senior Spotlight: Kylina Chalack
FRESNO, Calif. - Fresno State equestrian will introduce one senior per day leading up to Senior Day on Saturday, Feb. 17.
Kylina Chalack, a Canada native, rode for the Bulldogs for four years and excelled in both the equitation on the flat and equitation over fences events. In her senior campaign, Chalack currently has a 3-3-1 record in the fences and a 3-2-1 record in the flat. As a junior, Chalack was named the Sept. 2016 NCEA and UEC Equitation on the Flat Rider of the Month. Chalack earned a UEC All-Conference selection in her sophomore year with an 8-3 combined conference record.
Chalack sat down with GoBulldogs.com to touch on various parts of her experience while at Fresno State.
Q: Why did you choose Fresno State?
Chalack: "I chose Fresno State because I wanted something different from where I was. I wanted to be far away from home and somewhere warmer than Canada. When I visited, the team environment was very friendly and family-like and I liked the way the coaches taught. I liked the general feel of the campus as well.
Q: Who is your biggest riding influence?
Chalack: "My mom. She taught me when I was younger and she still continues to teach me. I learn almost everything I know from her. My current coach back home, Shawna, I am so grateful for her. She has been so great and relaxed and makes me feel so comfortable on the horse. She really helps me and really wants the best for me."
Q: What advice would you give to future Bulldogs?
Chalack: "Don't expect to be the best as soon as you step foot on campus. Coming from a sport where we are individuals to a team sport is very hard to do. Don't just expect to go out there and win every single point your first time out. It is going to be difficult and you will have to work your way up to that level where you are confident in the ring."
Â
Q: What is your most memorable win in the arena as a Bulldog?
Chalack: "I like to brag about this one because I think it is funny. This girl from Georgia, who graduated last year, was who I had always managed to compete against when we faced Georgia. The points had always gone back and forth over the years. In my junior year, they came to Fresno in the spring and she was going on a 12-0 record on the flat and this was their last meet before postseason. She went in and she had a pretty solid round. I went in and didn't expect much but I beat her and I ruined her streak and she was pretty upset about it."
Q: Who was your favorite horse to ride?
Chalack: "On the team, we had a horse named Art. He left last year, he was a little older and he outgrew the program. I think he was 18 years old so it was his time to go. He was my favorite in jumping and the flat. He was so reliable. Currently, my favorite would be Bounce because he is really fun to ride."
Q: How would your teammates describe you?
Chalack: "They like to think I am kind of geeky because of the movies I like to watch and the things I am a fan of like Star Wars and Lord of the Rings. I have heard that I am funny as well. I know I have been complimented by some of my younger teammates that they look up to me in the show ring."
Q: What will you miss most about being a part of the equestrian program?
Chalack: "Definitely my teammates and getting the opportunity to meet so many great girls. Being able to travel all over the states is pretty cool as well. Moving back home will be hard because I will miss the tight-knit community that we have."
Q: What are your plans after graduation?
Chalack: "Currently, I am planning to move back home. I will work under my mom and coach back home. I will continue my riding career and hopefully go professional. Maybe someday I will make the Olympics. That would be the ideal goal. I have a few job offers lined up to go and ride for some people so hopefully that works out."
"Just the Ticket to Build Our Community" – The Bulldog Scholarship Fund gives Bulldog alumni, fans and friends the opportunity to support Fresno State Athletics and the student-athletes who inspire them. For information about how you can support the Bulldog Scholarship Fund, please visit www.bulldogscholarshipfund.com or call 559-278-7160.
ÂFollow us on:
Twitter: @Fresno StateEQ
Instagram: fresnostateeq
Facebook: FresnoStateAthletics
Snap Chat: FSAthletics
Â
Players Mentioned
