Stevie Brown, a senior at the University of Tennessee at Martin, was named the inaugural recipient of the National Collegiate Equestrian Association YETI Workhorse Award on Apr. 15. The award recognizes a student-athlete who exemplifies commitment, support for teammates, and care for equine athletes beyond competition results.
The new honor is given to an individual who demonstrates consistent positivity, work ethic, and unwavering commitment within their collegiate equestrian program. According to the association’s announcement, “She radiates positivity, work ethic and unwavering commitment. She elevates those around her, instilling confidence and belief in their ability to achieve their goals. Often an unsung hero, her impact is felt in every aspect of the program – her teammates and coaches know she plays an essential role in the team’s record, culture and lasting legacy.”
Brown was one of four finalists for this year’s award alongside Baylor’s Lauren Stebbins, Georgia’s Kinsey Cooper and Southern Methodist University’s Ava Peck. In competition this season as a reining rider for UT Martin Skyhawks Women’s Equestrian team, Brown started 13 times with seven victories—tying for most wins on her team—and finished strong by winning six out of her last seven matches against several ranked opponents.
Off the field of play, Brown earned academic recognition with a second-team All-Academic award from NCEA earlier this month—the second national academic honor in her undergraduate career as she completes a degree in veterinary science. She has also served as barn manager overseeing daily operations for more than 40 horses at UT Martin’s facility while organizing farrier days and managing other essential tasks that keep costs down.
In addition to athletic and academic responsibilities, Brown acted as teaching assistant in Horse Science labs where she helped coordinate lab sessions and contributed hands-on instruction regarding horse care procedures such as vaccinations and deworming schedules. She also organized community service efforts including leading a project day at Red Fern Animal Shelter where she managed over 70 hours of volunteer service during the year.
“Stevie represents the very best of our program,” said UT Martin head coach Kim Leiter-Janes. “Her impact is defined by her consistency, humility and willingness to do whatever is needed without being asked. She is often the first to step in and the last to leave… Her ability to balance the demands of being a student-athlete, team leader and caretaker of our equine herd speaks to her character and commitment.” Looking ahead, Brown will return next season both as an athlete pursuing graduate studies at UT Martin Department of Agriculture, Geosciences and Natural Resources while serving as graduate assistant.
