BRYAN-COLLEGE STATION – Former Texas A&M equestrian student-athletes Carey Nowacek and Logan Pluhar were named recipients of the 2024 American Quarter Horse Association Emerging Leader Award.
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"We are so proud of our Aggie Alumni," said head coach Tana McKay. "Carey and Logan have both given so much back to the industry since they graduated. Both are very deserving of this recognition!"
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The award recognizes those who have shown outstanding leadership abilities and service to the equine industry. In addition, the award is for young adults, ages 21-35, and acknowledges success in their early careers, as well as their contributions to the industry.
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Nowacek was a member of the Aggie equestrian team from 2009-13 and compiled 49 wins in Horsemanship, which ranks second all-time in program history. The San Antonio, Texas, native also sits second all-time in the school record books with 13 MOP awards for Horsemanship. During her time in the Maroon & White, Nowacek was a two-time All-American and the 2012 Big 12 Rider of the Year.
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A 2016 All-American, Pluhar competed from 2013-2016 for the Maroon & White and compiled a 24-19-1 record in Horsemanship and 23-11-4 mark in Reining. Pluhar was also a two-time All-SEC honoree and was named to the SEC All-Freshman Team in 2013. The Whitesboro, Texas, native excelled in the classroom as well, earning Academic All-America honors in 2014, 2015 and 2016.
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"We are so proud of our Aggie Alumni," said head coach Tana McKay. "Carey and Logan have both given so much back to the industry since they graduated. Both are very deserving of this recognition!"
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The award recognizes those who have shown outstanding leadership abilities and service to the equine industry. In addition, the award is for young adults, ages 21-35, and acknowledges success in their early careers, as well as their contributions to the industry.
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Nowacek was a member of the Aggie equestrian team from 2009-13 and compiled 49 wins in Horsemanship, which ranks second all-time in program history. The San Antonio, Texas, native also sits second all-time in the school record books with 13 MOP awards for Horsemanship. During her time in the Maroon & White, Nowacek was a two-time All-American and the 2012 Big 12 Rider of the Year.
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A 2016 All-American, Pluhar competed from 2013-2016 for the Maroon & White and compiled a 24-19-1 record in Horsemanship and 23-11-4 mark in Reining. Pluhar was also a two-time All-SEC honoree and was named to the SEC All-Freshman Team in 2013. The Whitesboro, Texas, native excelled in the classroom as well, earning Academic All-America honors in 2014, 2015 and 2016.