Equestrian (IHSA) 6/3/2024 4:35:00 PM

Karine Gordy steps down as Director of Sewanee's Equestrian Program

SEWANEE, Tenn. – Sewanee Athletics Director John Shackelford has announced that Karine Gordy has resigned as the Director of Sewanee's Equestrian program and Head Equestrian Coach after 10 years.

"Karine Gordy has served our equestrian program, the many student-athletes who benefited from her wisdom and guidance, and most importantly the horses and animals that thrived under her care, admirably for over a decade," said Shackelford. "The University loses a real treasure, not simply a dedicated employee, or a successful coach, but a friend to those who cross her path, and a teacher of those secrets we may not fully understand until we travel the trails and pastures that are her home. The barn will be a little more empty for some time to come. She has left a saddle that is not easily filled."

Gordy has led the Tigers to two regional championships, a Reserve Conference Championship in the inaugural year of NCEA, and two NCEA National Championship Appearances in the past three years. During her tenure, she has also coached two Cacchione Cup riders, an All-American, two ODAC Rookie of the Year riders, and seven IHSA Individual National Championship contenders.

"I am very grateful to have had the opportunity to work at the Howell Equestrian Center," said Gordy. "For a school of this size to support a top-class facility like Sewanee has is truly amazing. Getting to work with the horses each day has been a joy. It has been a privilege to coach talented riders and I have made lifelong friends along the way."

In the Intercollegiate Horse Shows Association (IHSA) competition, Gordy has led her team to 16 high-point finishes and 16 reserve high-point finishes since the 2017 season. Sewanee started a National Collegiate Equestrian Association team in 2020, with Gordy leading her team to a 5-10 record.

"Karine has been an indispensable contributor to this program since her first day on the mountain," said assistant coach Aeline Hill. "She leaves an impact on all student-athletes who have ridden with her, and I am honored to have had her as a coach, a mentor, and a boss. I am forever grateful for every ounce of energy that she has poured into me as both a student and now a coach."

This past season, Gordy coached an All-American and two ODAC Rookie of the Year Riders in both fences and flat. The NCEA team made it to the semifinals of the NCEA Championships, the IHSA won their region and sent an individual to compete in the IHSA Individual Regionals where they placed 8th.

"Karine's passion for the amazing animals that we work with is unparalleled," said Hill. "The love for the horse is front and center in her coaching philosophy and I deeply believe that is the reason Sewanee's equestrian program has been so successful. Karine has rebuilt this program with love and her legacy will continue with every blue ribbon won, but more importantly, through every lesson learned. Our program will miss her tremendously, but cannot wait to see what retirement brings for Karine."

Gordy is leaving coaching to start her own equine therapy facility.

A national search for a new head coach and director of equestrian will begin immediately.

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