Amanda Atkins -- OSU Equestrian Team Captain

STILLWATER, Okla. -- In college, it’s a struggle for many students to balance the difficulties that come from classes, work, and social life. And it’s especially difficult for student athletes.

For Amanda Atkins, though, the struggle is worth it.

Atkins, from Edmond, is a junior at Oklahoma State studying applied exercise science, and a recently named captain of the 2019-20 Equestrian team.

The Oklahoma State equestrian team is a nationally recognized program, earning six national championship titles under head coach Larry Sanchez. Sanchez has also led the Cowgirls to six Big 12 Championship titles since 2000.

Atkins, as a captain of the Hunter Seat side, has not competed in any meets during her time at OSU but has impacted the team since she joined the Cowgirl family.

“It’s just really meaningful because I’ve seen this program grow so much,” Atkins said. “From when we had our old coaches to now, we have a new coach and she’s really changed the program. It’s taught me so many life lessons because even if you’re not doing what you want to do, you still learn so much.”

Most athletes owe their success to their parents. And Atkins is no exception to this expectation.

Having been riding horses since she was 8 years old, Atkins came to cherish the sport not long after that. Thankful to her parents for giving her the opportunity as a young girl to become a skilled rider, Atkins knows she wouldn’t be where she is now without their help.

“My parents have always been my biggest supporters,” Atkins said. “They pushed me to be better, even when I felt like I was at my best.”

During eighth grade, Atkins remembers the first time she landed a big jump. With her horse of about two months, this was the first time she actually felt like she taught and learned something at the same time. Even after this monumental moment, though, the most vivid piece of this memory is what her dad told her after practice that day. “Amanda, there’s always more to learn.”

It’s crazy what parts of our memories are most prevalent. For Atkins, it’s her dad’s reminder that she can always improve, for herself and for her team.

One thing about equestrian is that most people expect it to be an individual sport. Individual scores matter, yes, but at OSU in particular the emphasis is on the program’s growth as a team.

And adjusting to change is no easy task. But now, in her third year at Oklahoma State, Atkins is accustomed to the changes that have been implemented into the program.

“Riding horses isn’t usually a team sport,” Atkins said. “That’s something that’s really hard: putting an individual sport into a team sport.”

Stephanie Helsen is a junior reining teammate who also recognizes the importance of the Cowgirl team.

“It’s definitely been rewarding to see how far I’ve come and how far my teammates have come,” Helsen said. “I’ve known Amanda since freshman year and we’ve both stepped up into leadership positions this year, which is a humbling experience because this is how legacies get left.”

Helsen was named the Big 12 Rider of the Year for horsemanship as a sophomore, but credits her successes, and failures, to the girls on the team.

“Really, I’m glad I get to share this all with Amanda, and the other juniors on the team, because there’s no better feeling than giving back to a team that has done so much for you,” Helsen said. Although they haven’t experienced competing in a meet together yet, Helsen knows she can count on Atkins no matter the outcome from any given competition.

With such an incredible focus on the team aspect of the sport, the coaching staff constantly reminds the girls that they are always in it together. Whether “it” is good or bad, it’s a group effort and always something that everyone can learn and benefit from.

"Every coach wishes they had five or six Amandas on their team," Sanchez said. "She's somebody who's selfless and has a work ethic second to none. She's passionate about her team and her teammates. She's proof that you can be a team leader and you can be somebody who leads by example, even if you're not in the competition arena week in and week out."

Graceful and full of humility, Atkins is honored to be a part of the OSU equestrian program.

Oklahoma State has concluded its fall competitive season at No. 2 overall, according to the National Collegiate Equestrian Association. And next, the Cowgirls will travel to Dallas on Feb. 8 to take on SMU.