MILL SPRING, N.C. — Endicott senior Anna Berd (Hubbardston, Mass.) became the first student-athlete in school history to win a varsity individual national championship on Friday evening at the Intercollegiate Horse Shows Association (IHSA) National Championship, hosted at the Tryon International Equestrian Center.
Berd bested a field of 16 riders in novice to complete the historic feat, which also marks the highest placement and first-ever individual national title in equestrian program history.
In total, 8,000 riders compete in IHSA shows nationwide, and only 400 riders make it to nationals. Berd is now the No. 1 ranked novice rider in the entire country.
"I can't begin to describe how thrilled I am with today's results. We had nationals in our sights from the start of the year and I'm so proud that Anna was able to clinch the win," said Endicott equestrian head coach Megan Martin. "Watching her grow as a rider over the last three years has been a joy and today was the culmination of years and years of hard work. We drew a lovely horse and she looked fantastic. This was an incredibly well-deserved win for Anna and our program!"
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(Photo Credit - Endicott Equestrian)
