SPARTANBURG, S.C. – Converse University head equestrian coach Amelia Nowicki announced the signing of four athletes for the upcoming season.
 
"I am excited for the upcoming season and incorporating our new riders onto the team and kicking things off strong at our first competition this fall," Nowicki said. "I am also very excited to have equestrian alum and previous team captain Sydney Shipp returning as our graduate assistant!"
 
Shannon Goldy (Cumming, Ga.) – Was the captain of the equestrian team her senior, Goldy was the high point rider twice, while qualifying for regionals four times in her career. Goldy also helped her team to four straight regional appearances. The Peach State native rode for both Twin Oaks Equestrian and Owl Ridge Equestrian. Goldy was the Reserve Champion in pre-child equitation, the Reserve Champion in pre-child hunters, and third place in pre-child hunter.
 
Laci Matthews (Conover, N.C.) – Competed in equestrian as an extracurricular activity throughout high school and was also a cheerleader her sophomore year. Outside of athletics, was student council senior class president, was a member of skills USA where she won first place regional photography and second place states TV. Matthews was also a Junior Marshall, a member of Beta Club, National Honors Society, National Technical Honors Society, Yearbook, and Spanish Club.
 
Lani Pardue (Catawba, N.C.) – Is a junior transfer from St. Andrew's University. While at St. Andrew's she competed in Region 8 Zone 3 of IHSA and was also a member of the Dean's List. Pardue went to Bandy's High School where she won both an Equestrian Letter and an Academic Letter. Pardue was also a member of the National Honor Society. Pardue has been riding horses since she was three years old and overcame kidney failure at the age of four.
 
Bailey Smith (Moncks Corner, S.C.) – Makes her way to the Hub City from Moncks Corner, S.C., outside of riding horses, Smith attended Berkeley High School. While at Berkeley, Smith was a member of the Berkeley Beta Club and was the Drum Major of the Berkeley Blue Brigade. Smith currently plays 10 instruments proficiently.
 
For all the latest news on the Converse University equestrian team, log onto govalkyries.com today.
 
Follow Converse
https://www.facebook.com/ConverseValkyries
Twitter: N/A
Instagram: @converseequestrian
Youtube.com/Converse Athletics