BROOKINGS – South Dakota State equestrian head coach Ellie Wilkins announced the addition of Morgan DiGiulio as the team’s new western coach.

“We are excited to welcome Morgan to the program,” Wilkins said. “With her background in both horsemanship and reining she will help the western team continue to build on last year’s success.”

DiGiulio competed for the Southern Methodist equestrian team for four years, graduating with a double major in psychology and English in 2018. She also spent time volunteering at the Regional Special Olympics Equestrian competition while serving time as the SMU Equestrian Community Service Chairwoman and organizing events to foster the relationship between the team and the community.

“I am so excited to have the opportunity to begin my coaching career with SDSU equestrian,” DiGiulio said. “I see great potential for growth and success in this team, and I can’t wait to be a part of their evolution in this coming year. I look forward to continuing the Jackrabbits’ traditions, as well as building on the talent and strength that we already have.”

The California native has been riding since she was five years old. DiGiulio competed in the American Paint Horse Association and holds several Pinto World Championship and Reserve World Championship titles, as well as top five and top ten world finishes at the Paint and Pinto World Shows. 

DiGiulio was awarded the Coaches Award her second year on the SMU squad and was named to the NCEA Academic Honor Roll all four years. While riding for SMU’s horsemanship program, she also assisted with the working of the western program’s reining horses.

Photo from www.gojacks.com.