BEVERLY, Mass. – Longtime Endicott equestrian team advisor and assistant coach Susan Koso has announced her retirement after 23 years at the College.

"For 23 years, Susan Koso and former longtime head coach Steph Brightman played an enormous role in not just starting and developing the Equestrian program here at Endicott, but strengthening it to be one of the best in the region," said Endicott Director of Athletics Brian Wylie. "As an assistant and also as a team advisor to coach Brightman and current head coach Bethany Jones, Susan was critical in her oversight within so many areas of the program. More than anything, Susan was so passionately committed to developing the program and riders. We are thrilled that Coach Jones shares this same passion and vision that Susan does and are excited to see how this program will continue to strive for excellence in year two under her leadership."

In those 23 years, Koso served as the college's Director of Human Resources from 1993 to 2010, and also worked with the equestrian team as a volunteer, team advisor, and/or an assistant coach (last five seasons) since the program began in 1994. Koso's guidance to the program during that time frame has helped lead to many milestones including regional and national recognition along with seeing Susie Pelick, Lauren Horth, Chelsea Conant, Bethany Prussman, Alisha Phipps, and Megan Piermarini all qualify for IHSA Nationals. Several other riders have vied for the Cacchione Cup during that span, while this past season also saw Silvia Graf qualify for Zone Finals.

However, Koso's impact at the college stretches well beyond the equestrian program.

"Susan was a dedicated, smart and knowledgeable director of human resources, with a passion for horses. Not only did she know human resources inside and out, there wasn't anything she would ask you to do that she wouldn't do herself," said Endicott's current Director of Human Resources Sally Arnold. "Her impact on the department was immense.  When I started full-time in 1999, Susan only had a part time assistant. She was doing it all. My fondest memories at Endicott to date were the years that I worked for her due to all that she taught me and her wicked sense of humor."

The Endicott Athletics Department would like to wish Susan all the best in her retirement. 

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