Maggie McAlary uses jokes and hard work to inspire the equestrian team to strive for victory.
The junior in communications was named USHSA Rider of the Year in 2009 and finished last season with three MVPs.
McAlary, who is a hunt seat rider and competes on the flat and over fences, has also helped contribute to the team's undefeated record this season.
The team's next meet is Nov. 5 against Texas A&M, and McAlary believes the Aggies are the biggest competition so far this season.
Known to be fiercely competitive, McAlary is also laid-back and full of jokes.
"Maggie keeps all of us laughing," said teammate Grace Socha, junior in health promotions. "She's always great to be around. She's very positive no matter where we are, whether it's in workouts or at practice or during a meet.
Coach Greg Williams believes McAlary's most valuable quality is how much she cares for the team.
"She has one of the strongest resumes for individual accolades a young rider her age can have," Williams said. "Yet in college, she has completely bought into caring more about the team's successes rather than her own. When somebody as talented as Maggie does that, the contribution to the team becomes immeasurable."
McAlary chooses to spend most of her free time at the barn and enjoys being around the horses and her teammates.
"I absolutely love [being on the team]," McAlary said. "I love how we interact with each other, how we cheer for each other no matter what. We have a really good family bond."
McAlary is also known for her hard work. Socha said she always gives 110 percent.
"Maggie has a great work ethic," Williams said. "She has been in the position of training her own horses to compete on for years, and there is no way to dodge hard work when you're doing that."
McAlary hopes to continue her riding career after graduation.
"I want to see how far I can go with my riding," McAlary said. "I'd love to represent the United States on their team for Nations Cups. I want to go in the direction of riding as a professional."
Socha said she believes McAlary doesn't get discouraged easily.
"She will get frustrated, but it'll just make her try harder," Socha said.
McAlary's love for horses began when she was three years old.
She received her first pony on her birthday.
"I started showing shortly after that, and I did the local shows," McAlary said. "When my parents realized it was something I was really dedicated to, we started to make it a lifestyle for me."
McAlary said her mother helped make her dreams possible.
McAlary's family hired an equestrian trainer based in New York when McAlary lived in New Hampshire and drove four hours every weekend for lessons.
"I really look up to my mom," McAlary said. "We've done this whole journey together. She had no idea about horses until I started riding, and so we've grown and learned about the business together. I feel she is one of my biggest supporters, and I definitely wouldn't have been able to do anything that I have without her."
McAlary said she believes never giving up is important.
"There are definitely going to be ups and downs in anything that's worth pursuing, so as long as you keep your head up and understand that it's not going to be easy, but it's worth it, you'll be able to accomplish anything that you want," McAlary said.
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