When you think about athletics at Good Counsel, do you consider the Equestrian team?

These eight hard-working students gracefully compete during the fall, winter, and spring. While Good Counsel has had the sport for at least eight years, it joined the ranks of varsity sports three years ago. Experience is required to be on the team—it is not a sport for novices.

Currently, Good Counsel competes statewide. If the team gains enough points from these statewide competitions, they will compete regionally in the postseason. If they continue to perform well, they will participate in “zones.” These zones span from Delaware to North Carolina. Eventually, if their success continues, they will compete nationally. Good Counsel, historically, has made it to zones. This is quite an accomplishment because this is the most competitive zone in the country. Good Counsel “has had a very competitive team,” says their coach, Amber Philler.

Coach Philler wants the students of Good Counsel to know that “they exist.” “When you have a sport that is not necessarily done on campus, there is not a lot of visibility to that,” states Coach Philler. “I would love for [the students] to know how much work it takes because riding a horse isn’t easy.” Philler believes this year’s team has put in more effort than any other group before. They work out in the gym and make a point to ride outside of practice. “Usually equestrian is an individual sport, but it’s nice because no matter what level the rider, they all work together to support one another,” Philler says. “I am proud of this team.”

These experienced riders strive to take the Good Counsel team to the next level.