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. Gwin received her third Dual Discipline Coach of the Year award, marking her first such honor at South Carolina. This accomplishment also makes her the first coach in NCEA history to win championships at multiple schools. Potts earned his first Coach of the Year distinction.
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.”
The three total Coach of the Year honors represent a record in NCEA history for an individual coach.
Gwin’s achievement at South Carolina is noted as a milestone within collegiate equestrian sports.
