Ruth Sorrel was named the Director of Operations and an assistant coach for the Texas A&M equestrian team in the summer of 2024.
Sorrel helped guide the Aggies to their first SEC Championship after knocking down top-seeded Auburn and claiming a raw score decision against Georgia to secure the trophy. The Aggies earned a 2-seed for NCEA Championship and advanced to the final, finishing as the national runners-up. Following the successful season, two western riders received All-America accolades, while three brought home All-SEC honors.
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.
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.
Sorrel started her coaching career with one-year stops as an assistant at Auburn and Fresno State.
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.
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.