The No. 3 Auburn equestrian team is gearing up for the 2025-26 season with nine new members, including freshman Sofia Tieche from Ocala, Florida. Specializing in Western riding, Sofia brings a strong background with top finishes in various futurities and was drawn to Auburn for its small-town atmosphere, strong academics—especially the aviation program—and the team’s grit and family environment. She has been riding since early 2020, starting with her first horse, Tinsel, and credits horseback riding with building her confidence, resilience, and independence.

Balancing academics and athletics is challenging for Sofia, requiring disciplined time management between early workouts, classes, barn time, and studying. Outside of riding, she enjoys flying airplanes, relaxing with her French bulldog, and spending time with family. Sofia advises younger riders to embrace maturity, teamwork, and communication to succeed in collegiate equestrian sports. She describes the Auburn team as “powerful” and dreams of one day riding on her own farm surrounded by family and retired horses, inspired by the ambitions of her younger self.