After falling to Georgia in the semifinals round of the National Collegiate Equestrian Association Championship, Auburn is preparing to begin the 2015-16 season with "pretty high expectations," according to coach Greg Williams.
Williams, who started the program almost 20 years ago, said a strong group of newcomers will supplement a core of returning riders.
"I have huge expectations for this year," Williams said. "Even just building from that, I think we will be national championship contenders this year. We're getting really good."
Williams said he has built up an "incredible" staff that has worked hard before the team had even come to the Plains.
"I don't think we've worked any harder than we have so far this year," Williams said. "If the girls come back as ready as I think they will, with winning a national championship on their mind, I think we'll be very hard to beat."
Williams said he hopes for more consistency this season.
"We're very good, but sometimes, the hunt seat would be up, the Western would get down, we just didn't stay as consistent and uniform," Williams said.
Williams said he expected the seniors to lead the way, but he is interested to see who comes out of the woodwork as a leader. He said he expects full accountability from his team and for the entire team to work together.
"Overall, we're going to drive for one goal," Williams said. "Prior to college, it's very much an individual sport. So it is different when you come together. When you come to Auburn, that's something you have to buy into."
He said one weak point in their game was the Western event. However, new coach Mary Meneely, who coaches the Western riders, will help improve that area.
"We weren't pulling in enough wins, and there's a lot more meets we could have won," Williams said.
Williams said the coaching staff is now unified with the addition of Meneely, who was the former associate head coach of the University of Georgia equestrian team.
"It just feels like kind of one machine now," Williams said.
Williams said he hopes to build a dynasty through good recruiting and performance.
"If people think that Auburn equestrian has been a success so far, they need to stay tuned," Williams said. "We're about to dial it up."
He said any of the SEC matchups are exciting for him, as well as a meet against Oklahoma State on Oct. 17.
"Anytime we're going to be playing the Georgias, the South Carolinas, the Texas A&Ms, those are always really big ones," Williams said.
Williams said practice begin the first week of classes.
The first competition is the Orange and Blue Scrimmage on Friday, Sept. 11, at 3 p.m. at the Auburn University Horse Center.
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