MARTIN, Tenn. - Meghan Cunningham, the head women's equestrian coach, is doing all she can do to help out her Western riders. Cunningham's latest move was to sign Laurel Ellzey of Tucson, Ariz., to a scholarship.

"Laurel (Ellzey) should be able to come in and make an immediate impact," Cunningham said. She has a wealth of experience."

Ellzey was a 2006-07 state qualifier for AQHYA World Show in Halter, Western Riding and Trail. She won multiple circuit awards in Halter, Showmanship, Hunter Under Saddle, Hunt Seat Equitation, Western Pleasure, Horsemanship, Trail Reining and Western Riding at both Paint and Quarter horse shows.

Among her other honors in 2006, Ellzey was named the High Point Novice Youth All Around SAQHA; SAQHA and AZQHA champion in Showmanship, Horsemanship, Trail, Western Riding, Western Pleasure and Hunt Seat Equitation; the Reserve High Point Youth All Around 18 and Under SAQHA; and the High Point Novice Youth All Around AZQHA.

"UT Martin is the perfect place for me," Ellzey said. "I chose UT Martin because of the Equestrian team, its location and the class sizes."

Ellzey prepped at Canyon Del Oro High School in Tucson, where she was a member of the National Honor Society and the principal's honor roll for four years. She will graduate with honors later this month.

She also played basketball and ran track and field in high school. In her spare time, Ellzey works with T.R.O.T (Theraputic Riding of Tucson) and volunteers at Northwest Medical Center where she works in the transportation department.

Ellzey is the daughter of Mike Ellzey and Tina Ryan.


#SKYHAWKS#