BRYAN-COLLEGE STATION – The Texas A&M equestrian team added highly accomplished equine mentor Ruth Sorrel to the staff as director of operations and assistant coach, head coach Tana McKay announced Monday.
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"We are so excited to bring Ruth's expertise and talent to Texas A&M," McKay said. "She will be helping in the operations as well as recruiting and coaching. I am even more thrilled that our athletes will get a chance to learn from her and receive her mentoring. Ruth will be a huge asset to our program and will fit right in with our amazing staff."
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An industry leader for nearly two decades, Sorrel enjoyed a successful 14-year stint mentoring the western riders at South Carolina (2005-19), including the last eight seasons as associate head coach.
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During her time in Columbia, Sorrel instructed 14 All-Americans and 22 All-SEC riders. She also coached three SEC Riders of the Year. Sorrel mentored the Gamecocks' western team to three consecutive SEC Championship crowns from 2012-14 as well as NCEA national titles in 2007 and 2015.
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"I am incredibly excited to join the Texas A&M equestrian staff," Sorrell said. "My previous coaching experiences have equipped me with valuable skills and insights that I am eager to bring to this esteemed program. As an Aggie, I feel a deep sense of pride and enthusiasm in contributing to the team's legacy and supporting the athletes in reaching their fullest potential. I look forward to collaborating with a great staff and fostering a positive and competitive environment where we can achieve great things together."
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Since departing South Carolina, she has served as owner and consultant of Sorrel Equestrian Consulting helping riders in the college recruiting process.
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Sorrel started her coaching career with one-year stops as an assistant at Auburn and Fresno State.
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A graduate of South Carolina's Darla Moore School of Business in 2000 with a bachelor's degree in insurance and risk management, she lettered two years for the Gamecocks and served as captain for the 1999-2000 season.
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Sorrel earned the NCEA Distinguished Alumni recognition in the Equine/Trainer/Coach category in 2017 for her significant contributions. She has been extremely active in the NCEA serving stints on numerous committees, including finance, championship, sponsorship and sports advancement.
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"We are so excited to bring Ruth's expertise and talent to Texas A&M," McKay said. "She will be helping in the operations as well as recruiting and coaching. I am even more thrilled that our athletes will get a chance to learn from her and receive her mentoring. Ruth will be a huge asset to our program and will fit right in with our amazing staff."
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An industry leader for nearly two decades, Sorrel enjoyed a successful 14-year stint mentoring the western riders at South Carolina (2005-19), including the last eight seasons as associate head coach.
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During her time in Columbia, Sorrel instructed 14 All-Americans and 22 All-SEC riders. She also coached three SEC Riders of the Year. Sorrel mentored the Gamecocks' western team to three consecutive SEC Championship crowns from 2012-14 as well as NCEA national titles in 2007 and 2015.
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"I am incredibly excited to join the Texas A&M equestrian staff," Sorrell said. "My previous coaching experiences have equipped me with valuable skills and insights that I am eager to bring to this esteemed program. As an Aggie, I feel a deep sense of pride and enthusiasm in contributing to the team's legacy and supporting the athletes in reaching their fullest potential. I look forward to collaborating with a great staff and fostering a positive and competitive environment where we can achieve great things together."
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Since departing South Carolina, she has served as owner and consultant of Sorrel Equestrian Consulting helping riders in the college recruiting process.
Â
Sorrel started her coaching career with one-year stops as an assistant at Auburn and Fresno State.
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A graduate of South Carolina's Darla Moore School of Business in 2000 with a bachelor's degree in insurance and risk management, she lettered two years for the Gamecocks and served as captain for the 1999-2000 season.
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Sorrel earned the NCEA Distinguished Alumni recognition in the Equine/Trainer/Coach category in 2017 for her significant contributions. She has been extremely active in the NCEA serving stints on numerous committees, including finance, championship, sponsorship and sports advancement.