Equestrian (IHSA) 8/7/2026 10:32:00 AM

Chamberlin, Herzog named to lead Sewanee's Equestrian programs

SEWANEE, Tenn. – Sewanee Director of Athletics John Shackelford has announced the hiring of Lizzie Chamberlin C'23 as the Co-Director of Equestrian and Operations Manager and Taylor Herzog as the Co-Director of Equestrian and Head Coach of the University's IHSA and NCEA Equestrian programs.

"We are thrilled to welcome Lizzie Chamberlin back into our barn as Director of Equestrian," said Shackelford. "As a loyal Sewanee alum, a proven member of our University Relations staff, and a lifelong equestrian, we're confident Lizzie will provide outstanding leadership for our barn staff and tremendous love and care for the many animals entrusted into our care."

A 2023 graduate of Sewanee with her bachelor's degree in Economics, Chamberlin returns to Athletics after serving as Assistant Director of the Sewanee Fund in University Relations for the past two years. In that role, she managed annual giving strategies, developed and executed fundraising campaigns, cultivated alumni relationships, and led annual giving initiatives for Sewanee Athletics while working closely with volunteers and donors across the University.

During her time as a student on the Mountain, Chamberlin was a member of the women's lacrosse program, earning Southern Athletic Association Honorable Mention Honors twice while serving as team co-captain during her senior season. She was also a member of the University's equestrian and club eventing team, giving her a unique understanding of the Sewanee equestrian program and the Howell Equestrian Center.

Beyond Sewanee, Chamberlin has continued to develop her equestrian experience, working with Kinnitty Capall Stables in New York and South Carolina, assisting with daily barn operations and horse care while competing at the Preliminary Level of Eventing. She is also an active B-rated member of the U.S. Pony Club and was a National Youth Congress participant in 2024.

As Co-Director of Equestrian and Operations Manager, Chamberlin will oversee the daily operations of the Howell Equestrian Center, including management of the University's horses and facilities while supporting the continued growth of Sewanee's nationally recognized equestrian programs.

"I want to thank Coach Shack for giving me this incredible opportunity at a place that is so special to me," said Chamberlin. "As a four-year member of the Sewanee equestrian program under Karine Gordy's leadership, I am truly honored to co-lead a program that means so much to me. My experience on the team was instrumental in shaping my Sewanee experience, and I look forward to fostering that same strong sense of community while mentoring our talented student and equine athletes. I'm excited to work alongside our exceptional barn staff to provide the highest level of care for our horses and collaborate with Coach Herzog to create a positive, supportive, and competitive environment for both teams. The Howell Equestrian Center is a top-notch facility, and I look forward to building on the program's strong foundation while helping our student-athletes grow as teammates and leaders. YSR!"

Joining Chamberlin is new Co-Director and Head Coach Taylor Herzog, who brings a combination of coaching experience, competitive success, and program leadership to Sewanee.

"I'm excited to welcome Taylor Herzog to the Sewanee community and Sewanee Athletics family," said Shackelford. "Taylor is a rising star in the equestrian coaching community and offers our student-athletes her unbridled enthusiasm and love of competition. She holds a national championship ring from her riding days at Lynchburg and is determined to bring one to Sewanee very soon as a coach."

Herzog comes to the Mountain after serving as Assistant Director of Riding at Garrison Forest School in Maryland. There, she coached the school's upper and middle school IEA teams, managed riding operations, coordinated competitions and travel, and trained horses and riders for local and rated horse shows. Under her leadership, Garrison Forest captured the IEA Middle School Regional Championships in 2023 and 2026 and placed third and sixth at Zones in those years, while one of her high school riders earned Reserve Champion honors at the 2025 IEA National Finals. In 2025, she was named the Baltimore County Horse Show Association Coach of the Year. She is also a Hunter/Jumping Seat Equitation "r" Judge applicant and anticipates receiving her license in September of 2026.

As a student-athlete at the University of Lynchburg, Herzog was captain of both the NCEA and IHSA teams and helped lead the Hornets to the 2022 NCEA Single Discipline National Championship. That championship team was inducted into the Lynchburg Sports Hall of Fame in 2023. Herzog was a two-time First Team Academic All-American, earned ODAC All-Academic honors, and served as Vice President of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee. Herzog earned a bachelor's degree in Business Administration from Lynchburg before completing a Master of Arts in Coaching and Sport Leadership at Randolph College.

As Co-Director of Equestrian and Head Coach, Herzog will lead Sewanee's student-athletes in practice and competition while fostering a culture of excellence, accountability, and personal growth. She will also play a key role in advancing the continued success and national reputation of the University's equestrian program.

"I am incredibly honored to join the Sewanee community and grateful for the opportunity to partner with Lizzie Chamberlin in leading this outstanding program," said Herzog. "I am especially excited to build meaningful relationships with our student-athletes, helping them grow as riders, leaders, and individuals while continuing Sewanee's tradition of success both in and out of the show ring. My goal is to foster a culture built on trust, accountability, and a shared commitment to excellence. With an exceptional herd of equine athletes, a dedicated barn staff, and an incredibly supportive University community, I truly believe the potential of this program is limitless. I'm excited to get to work and see what we can accomplish together on the Mountain!"

Print Friendly Version