UNC Charlotte Equestrian Club member Bailey Williams is a step away from competing in the IHSA National Championships. Williams competed alongside another club member at the regional tournament for the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association (IHSA) at St. Andrews University in Laurinburg.
Williams, who is the club president, finished third in flat riding and second in fences. Her second-place finish qualified her for the zone competition where she will compete to qualify for nationals.
Max Mello, assistant director for sport clubs with the Department of Recreational Services, stated, “We competed against schools who have much higher budgets for their programs, and some even have dedicated Equestrian programs, so the win will attract more positive attention to UNC Charlotte.”
In addition to placing high in groups, Williams was awarded the Senior Leadership Award for the IHSA Zone 4, Region 3 Division.
“Williams earning the Senior Leadership Award highlights our University’s dedication to developing student leaders and helping them succeed outside of just a sporting context by using sport clubs as a way to help develop leadership abilities,” Mello said.
The zone competition will be held on Saturday, April 5, at Hollins University in Roanoke, Va.