Grace Socha began her successful career as an equestrian rider when she was three, becoming enamored with horseback riding through long trail rides with her mother.
Because Socha became proficient at horseback so young, she began competing early.
"I started probably around the age of 10," Socha said. "The more I started riding and showing I just became more competitive and really decided that it was what I wanted to do, and I focused all my time and energy on it and looking back I'm glad I did."
The individual riding competitions did not prepare Socha for the team aspect of riding at Auburn, though she adapted to the new college-level competitions quickly.
"Her ability in the arena was never in question," equestrian coach Greg Williams said. "I think it's just a shock when you're thrown all of a sudden with Division I strength coaches. We're housed with the same coaches that work out the football team. All of that is kind of a shock. You've got to put this large group of girls ahead of yourself and that's very hard to do."
Socha quickly grasped the importance of working as a team and soon became an inspiration for others, including teammate Lindsay Portela.
"She was so well known on our circuit and everybody kind of looked up to her because she did win a lot and she was very good," Portela said. "When I realized she could put aside her own desire to win for herself in favor of wanting to win for the team, I thought 'If Grace can do it, I guess I need to do it too.'"
The devotion everyone has for the team was a big factor in Auburn's championship win this past year, Williams said.
"That was what was so amazing about last year's championship team," Williams said. "They did exactly that, and they weren't just talented, they also worked as a team. That's something that Grace Socha's really big about."
Williams said Socha's ability to work well with those around her is a big asset to the team.
"She actually builds up people around her," Williams said. "We want riders like that who aren't just capable of winning points while they're riding. Their attitude also helps others win their points as well." Portela said she and Socha were neighbors, and seeing a friendly face helped her when she joined the team.
"There's a lot of great friendships, and it really does feel like you're family," Socha said. "It's really important for me to try to be a leader on the team."
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