Head coach Meghan Boenig of the National Champion University of Georgia equestrian team was named the USEF National Collegiate Equestrian Association’s 2021 Coach of the Year, the organization announced Thursday. 

This is the first National Coach of the Year honor for Boenig who led the Bulldogs to the program’s seventh national title this season, the most of any team in NCEA history. 

Additionally, assistant coach Anna Becker was honored with Jumping Seat Coach of the Year. 

Boenig’s team rode to a 3-3 record in conference-only competition throughout the regular season before falling short in the SEC Championship.  The Bulldogs then won three- straight meets to be crowned National Champions in Waco, Texas. 

The 2020-21 Bulldogs have been showered in accolades this season. Ten UGA riders garnered All-SEC Honors and Jordan Toering was named SEC Fences Freshman of the Year.  Additionally, three riders received NCEA All-America honors.  At the national championship, seven riders claimed eight spots on the All-Championship teams. 

The Bulldogs shined in the classroom as well.  Senior Isabelle Heckler was named the SEC Scholar-Athlete of the Year. Thirteen Bulldogs were named to the NCEA American Wood Fibers All-Academic Teams and an additional 27 riders received APHA Academic Honor Roll recognition.