Aug. 11, 2008

FAIRFIELD, CT - Sacred Heart University women's equestrian head coach Sloane Milstein has announced that the Pioneers will welcome eleven new athletes to their line-up this fall. The increase in roster size is necessitated because the team will more than double its scheduled events in 2008-09.

SHU's newcomers are Grace Alexander,(Stafford Springs, CT) Brittany Beckwith (Wethersfield, CT) Colleen Booth (Portland, CT), Abbie Britton( Hoover, AL) Brian Buchanan (Troy, NY), Adrianna Dattoli (Woodcliff Lake, NJ) Nicole D'Agostino, (Dix Hills, NY), Kara Fidler (Marshfield, MA), Kelsey Phillips (Newton, CT), Alyssa Woronik (Salem, CT) and Kim Schult (Rockway, NJ).

"Last year we continued our growth in the NCAA Varsity Equestrian program by adding Western events without having a roster of Western riders," says Milstein. "This meant that a roster of all English riders had to enter the Western competitions with very little experience. Although the team did very well, it was extremely hard for them to stay on top of their game while scrambling to get ready for the next event."

This year, returning members including team captain Casey Marino, Clare Ryan, and team captain Janel Beauregard will continuing riding Western and will be joined by freshmen Booth and Beckwith, both accomplished equestrian athletes.

Booth, both a talented English and Western rider, took 3rd overall in the CHSA Junior Western Pleasure and the SNEHA Junior Western Pleasure, 4th overall in the CHSA Western Seat Equitation, and 6th overall in SNEHA Pre Junior Western Horsemanship.

Beckwith, a great all-around rider also competes in English, Western and drill team events. During the 2005-06 season competed in year-end events at Arabian Horse Connecticut, Southern New England Hoarsens Association and Arabian Horse Association of New England shows.

"I am hoping to see solid performances from these riders in both the Western IHSA and Varsity Equestrian events," says Milstein.

Joining the English IHSA roster this year is Brian Buchanan. Because NCAA Equestrian is limited to females only, Buchanan will ride in all IHSA-sanctioned events. The team has not had a male athlete since 2001.

"I am hoping his experience as a jumper rider and cross country rider will add a new technical element to the team," says Milstein.

Riding diversity aside, the newcomers have much in common coming into the program loving the horses, the competition, and an intense determination and willingness to work hard.

Because the team is already so large there will be no scheduled tryout for this year. If SHU students are looking for spot on the team it is suggested that the volunteer at one of the many practices, competitions, or fundraisers during the spring. Please contact Coach Milstein at 203-365-4807 for more information.