05/12/2026
Congratulations to our final senior, Genevieve Oakes! Genevieve is originally from Gilbert, Arizona, and is graduating with a degree in Biomedical Engineering. Genevieve has been on the team for three years. She was our Home Manager for the 2024-2025 year! She joined the team because “ Having been in the saddle since I was four and competing through IEA in middle and high school, being away from horses at my previous school left a huge void in my life. I joined this team because I needed to foster that lifelong love for the sport again, and to work with Coach Rachel, whose leadership I’ve respected since my early days competing in Arizona. While I came here to get back into the saddle, the experience gave me so much more than just a return to the sport. My favorite memories aren’t just about the competitions themselves, but those road trips where the nerves finally gave way to genuine laughter. It was in those moments, surrounded by teammates who felt like family, that I realized I hadn’t just found a place to ride, I had finally found where I belonged. ”
Her favorite moment on the team was “Choosing to transfer here was a massive leap of faith, and coming from a place where I never quite fit in, I arrived with a lot of uncertainty. However, the moment I joined the equestrian team, that ‘outsider’ feeling vanished. My favorite memory will always be my first UofA show in Tucson; I was a total bundle of nerves, but riding down in Rachel’s car, I was laughing before we even hit the highway. That trip was the definitive turning point for me. Everyone welcomed me with open arms and provided the first real sense of belonging. ”
As she journeys beyond the team, she leaves one message of advice: “Don’t take a single ride or road trip for granted. I spent time at a school where I didn’t have this sport or this community, and it made me realize how lucky we are to have both. Support each other through the nerves, keep the laughter louder than the stress, and continue making this team a place where everyone feels they have a seat at the table. And as a last resort, always add more leg.”
Congrats again to our incredible senior! We will miss you so much! ❤️