Fresno State Athletics
Equestrian Senior Spotlight: Rachel Williams
2/9/2018 1:40:00 PM | Equestrian
Equestrian Senior Spotlight: Rachel Williams
FRESNO, Calif. - Western rider Rachel Williams is the third senior to be introduced before Senior Day on Saturday February 17.Â
Williams has been with the Fresno State equestrian program for four years. In her freshman campaign, Williams was named the 2014 September NCEA Horsemanship Rider of the Month. At the completion of that season, she earned the 2014-15 UEC Horsemanship Rider of the Year title and was named to the honorable mention All-American team by the NCEA. As a junior, Williams earned February UEC Horsemanship Rider of the Month honors as well as being named to the NCEA Â second team All-American for Horsemanship.
As a senior, Williams has a 3-4-1 record and one MOP in the horsemanship. In November, Williams became the first Bulldog in program history to compete in the final round of the AQHA Horsemanship Challenge in Oklahoma City.
The Enumclaw, Wash. native sat down with GoBulldogs.com to share her experiences while being a Bulldog.
Q: Why did you choose Fresno State?
Williams: "I chose Fresno State because it was a little closer to home rather than going to the east coast or the south. I liked the small size of the team compared to a team of 60 girls, it would give me more opportunities to ride and show my skills. I think that has definitely paid off and has benefited me 100%. I haven't regretted that decision."
Q: Who is your biggest riding influence?
Williams: "Honestly, coming on to the team and looking up to the seniors above me. They were always my inspiration. I was just trying to be like them and be able to have the confidence and poise that they had. As a freshman, I knew that I would set a goal for myself to be like the seniors."
Q: What advice would you give to future Bulldogs?
Williams: "It is definitely a whole different ball game. Taking in what your coaches and upperclassmen say is so important. Soak up everything that you can because it goes by fast. Listening to what the coaches and upperclassmen say will definitely pay off. They are speaking from experience so use it."
Q: What is your most memorable win in the arena as a Bulldog?
Williams: "Just recently, in November, going to Oklahoma and competing in the Horsemanship Challenge. That was probably the highlight of my career. It has always been a goal and a dream to ride there at the World Show going up against the top riders in the collegiate circuit."
Q: Who was your favorite horse to ride?
Williams: "I don't really have a favorite. I would probably have to say my horse back home that I got not too long ago, his name is Tim. He has taught me a lot and I have been able to really progress with him."
Q: How would your teammates describe you?
Williams: "Probably awkward, but also a nerd being the only engineering major on the team."
Q: What will you miss most about being a part of the equestrian program?
Williams: "I will miss the family part of the team and having 30 other girls who were like sisters. Everyone has your back and everyone has someone to confide to. Being able to go hang out, talk to or get advice from is the biggest and best thing about the team. I definitely have 30 sisters on the team at every point of the year and that is definitely the part I am going to miss the most."
Q: What are your plans after graduation?
Williams: "My plans are to get a job, hopefully stay in California. I might go north or I might go south, I am not really sure yet. I want to get my engineering license and potentially get a masters in engineering."
"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
Players Mentioned
