Head Coach Carol Gwin and Western Coach TR Potts were named Coach of the Year in their respective disciplines by the National Collegiate Equestrian Association, according to an April 27 announcement.
The recognition highlights significant achievements for both coaches and marks a milestone in collegiate equestrian coaching. Gwin has now received her third Dual Discipline Coach of the Year award, her first at South Carolina, while Potts earned his first such honor. The three total Coach of the Year honors make Gwin the most decorated coach in NCEA history. Additionally, Gwin’s championship at South Carolina is notable as it is the first time a coach has won national titles at multiple schools within NCEA history.
South Carolina Athletics Director Jeremiah Donati said, “Congratulations to Carol for being named the 2026 NCEA Dual Discipline Coach of the Year and to TR for being named NCEA Western Coach of the Year. These are well-deserved and well-earned awards. We are incredibly proud of the work they have done and equally fortunate to have world-class coaches like Carol leading our program and TR alongside her, building and developing our student-athletes. They have done a tremendous job guiding our equestrian team to a national championship and coaching multiple NCEA All-Americans and All-SEC selections this year.”
Gwin’s leadership contributed not only to individual accolades but also guided South Carolina’s equestrian team to a national championship during this season.
The awards reflect continued excellence within South Carolina’s equestrian program under its current coaching staff.
