South Dakota State University Director of Athletics Justin Sell announced that Ellie Wilkins has been promoted and will serve as head coach of the Jackrabbit women’s equestrian team during the upcoming 2015-16 season.
As the acting head coach, Wilkins will take over a program that has qualified for the National Collegiate Equestrian Association national championships four times, including both the Western and hunt seat squads in 2013.
“I would like thank Justin Sell and the SDSU administration for this unique opportunity,” Wilkins said. “I would also like to thank (previous head coach) Megan Rossiter for her leadership and mentorship. I am excited to move this program forward.”
A native of Evergreen, Colorado, Wilkins served as the Jackrabbits’ hunt seat coach during the 2014-15 season after completing a successful competitive career at Texas A&M. She was a member of the Aggies’ back-to-back NCEA national championship teams in 2011 and 2012, in addition to winning a pair of zone equitation titles while competing in United States Equestrian Federation events.
Wilkins replaces Rossiter, who stepped down from her duties June 30 to pursue other professional opportunities. She is the fourth head coach since the SDSU equestrian program was formed in 2004.
A search to fill Wilkins’ assistant coaching position will begin immediately.
