Photo by: Texas A&M Athletics
An Inside Look: Haley Franc, Reining
Sep 14, 2017 | Equestrian
Leading up to the start of the 2017-18 season, 12thMan.com will highlight a student-athlete from each discipline. The Aggies look to defend their NCEA National Championship as they begin the campaign against Fresno State on September 22.
Today, junior Haley Franc, who finished the season undefeated in Reining at the SEC and NCEA Championships, discussed last season's success, moving into a leadership role, and this year's campaign.
What was it like to win the NCEA National Championship last season?
"It was really exciting. I think it was really special because we haven't won it in such a long time. Especially because it was my first year showing, that was really cool. Just to be a part of that and be in the show family was one of the best experiences ever."
Now that you are an upperclassman, how do you become a good leader for the underclassman?
"Even last year I felt a little bit of responsibility because it was my second year, and I was just trying to be a really good example to the younger girls even as a sophomore because they are still learning. Little things, like showing up early, going to team events even if they aren't mandatory, or just being a really good teammate and a good support system for them, are important for us."
What are your goals for yourself and the team?
"I would love to start again as much as I did last season. Obviously, we are working towards another National Championship like every team, but SECs would be really cool to win too. Overall, keeping our reputation. I think that we have a really good reputation of being a family and supporting each other. All of the other teams see that, so keeping up that reputation with our freshman and just working our butts off like we did last season to make that SEC and National Championship dream come true."
What was it like to finish the season undefeated (6-0) at the SEC and NCEA Championships?
"That was amazing. One thing I really love to do is make Coach [Tana McKay] really proud of me. That is one of the most important things. Also, making my team proud of me and being able to do good especially because I am from Canada. There are so many good riders down here, so I just wanted to prove myself. Honestly, she could have picked anyone from Texas, and they probably would have worked out perfectly too. I am really honored that she gave me the chance, especially to show. That was amazing for me."
How did you successfully shift from only appearing in one exhibition ride in 2015-16 to riding in 16 meets your sophomore season?
"Coach [Tana McKay] knows what she is doing. I wasn't ready my freshman year to show. She gave me an exhibition, and it gave me a pace for what it would be like, but it is still not the same because you are not starting. My riding was there, but my mentality wasn't. I wasn't confident enough because these horses were way different than what I would usually show. I think she knew that. She knew when to wait for my confidence to be boosted, which was amazing that she could see that in me. This last year, I showed almost every meet, and she kept putting me in. I just kept doing my job. My mentality is what she was waiting for. I think that goes for all freshman. I feel like a lot of girls come in really wanting to show their first year, but sometimes you're just not ready."
How did riding in the World Cup during the summer of 2016 impact your 2016-17 season?
"That was a really cool experience. You catch ride everything there which I always thought was super fun because I really like to challenge myself that way. World Cup is a great experience. If you can do it, just do it. It is amazing even if you are just going as an alternate like I did in 2014. It was still really cool. I did well, so it helped boost my confidence a lot knowing that I can show those horses that I don't even know very well. It helped me persevere through the year and keep a good mindset for everything."
What advice would you give to the incoming freshmen on the team?
"Freshman year is a hard year, but the most you can do is work your butt off back in the barn and show that you are a good teammate. Some of them will probably get exhibition and demo spots this year. I think this year will be their year to make their mark on who is going to be a good leader. This is their time to show how good of a teammate they are, and that is what Coach [Tana McKay] looks for too. Overall, she really loves those girls that would just do anything for their teammates."
How your mindset last season, and how is it heading into this season?
"Last season, making the starting lineup gave me confidence because if Coach [Tana McKay] thinks that I am good enough to go in there and get my point, then I have to also. That was my mindset. I think I will go into this season with the same mindset. If she thinks I'm ready, then I'm ready. She has done this for so long and has so many national championships. She knows best."
What is like competing for head coach Tana McKay?
"Coach McKay is amazing. She has been very successful over her entire career. I trust her fully, and I wouldn't question it if she pulled me from the lineup if I wasn't ready. She knows who is ready and who will get their points. The reining team has been so strong for a long time. She cares about us so much, not just our riding, but our personal lives. She is so involved with us. She is the perfect coach for us, and I wouldn't change schools for anything."
Today, junior Haley Franc, who finished the season undefeated in Reining at the SEC and NCEA Championships, discussed last season's success, moving into a leadership role, and this year's campaign.
What was it like to win the NCEA National Championship last season?
"It was really exciting. I think it was really special because we haven't won it in such a long time. Especially because it was my first year showing, that was really cool. Just to be a part of that and be in the show family was one of the best experiences ever."
Now that you are an upperclassman, how do you become a good leader for the underclassman?
"Even last year I felt a little bit of responsibility because it was my second year, and I was just trying to be a really good example to the younger girls even as a sophomore because they are still learning. Little things, like showing up early, going to team events even if they aren't mandatory, or just being a really good teammate and a good support system for them, are important for us."
What are your goals for yourself and the team?
"I would love to start again as much as I did last season. Obviously, we are working towards another National Championship like every team, but SECs would be really cool to win too. Overall, keeping our reputation. I think that we have a really good reputation of being a family and supporting each other. All of the other teams see that, so keeping up that reputation with our freshman and just working our butts off like we did last season to make that SEC and National Championship dream come true."
What was it like to finish the season undefeated (6-0) at the SEC and NCEA Championships?
"That was amazing. One thing I really love to do is make Coach [Tana McKay] really proud of me. That is one of the most important things. Also, making my team proud of me and being able to do good especially because I am from Canada. There are so many good riders down here, so I just wanted to prove myself. Honestly, she could have picked anyone from Texas, and they probably would have worked out perfectly too. I am really honored that she gave me the chance, especially to show. That was amazing for me."
How did you successfully shift from only appearing in one exhibition ride in 2015-16 to riding in 16 meets your sophomore season?
"Coach [Tana McKay] knows what she is doing. I wasn't ready my freshman year to show. She gave me an exhibition, and it gave me a pace for what it would be like, but it is still not the same because you are not starting. My riding was there, but my mentality wasn't. I wasn't confident enough because these horses were way different than what I would usually show. I think she knew that. She knew when to wait for my confidence to be boosted, which was amazing that she could see that in me. This last year, I showed almost every meet, and she kept putting me in. I just kept doing my job. My mentality is what she was waiting for. I think that goes for all freshman. I feel like a lot of girls come in really wanting to show their first year, but sometimes you're just not ready."
How did riding in the World Cup during the summer of 2016 impact your 2016-17 season?
"That was a really cool experience. You catch ride everything there which I always thought was super fun because I really like to challenge myself that way. World Cup is a great experience. If you can do it, just do it. It is amazing even if you are just going as an alternate like I did in 2014. It was still really cool. I did well, so it helped boost my confidence a lot knowing that I can show those horses that I don't even know very well. It helped me persevere through the year and keep a good mindset for everything."
What advice would you give to the incoming freshmen on the team?
"Freshman year is a hard year, but the most you can do is work your butt off back in the barn and show that you are a good teammate. Some of them will probably get exhibition and demo spots this year. I think this year will be their year to make their mark on who is going to be a good leader. This is their time to show how good of a teammate they are, and that is what Coach [Tana McKay] looks for too. Overall, she really loves those girls that would just do anything for their teammates."
How your mindset last season, and how is it heading into this season?
"Last season, making the starting lineup gave me confidence because if Coach [Tana McKay] thinks that I am good enough to go in there and get my point, then I have to also. That was my mindset. I think I will go into this season with the same mindset. If she thinks I'm ready, then I'm ready. She has done this for so long and has so many national championships. She knows best."
What is like competing for head coach Tana McKay?
"Coach McKay is amazing. She has been very successful over her entire career. I trust her fully, and I wouldn't question it if she pulled me from the lineup if I wasn't ready. She knows who is ready and who will get their points. The reining team has been so strong for a long time. She cares about us so much, not just our riding, but our personal lives. She is so involved with us. She is the perfect coach for us, and I wouldn't change schools for anything."
Players Mentioned
Reining
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