Sue Payne

Head Equestrian Coach

Years at Smith : 26th Season

Alma Mater: University of Massachusetts

(413) 585-2734

spayne@email.smith.edu

Coach Sue Payne has directed the equestrian program since 1974 and coached the equestrian team since 1981. She received bachelor's and master's degress from the University of Massachusetts. She is an active member of USEF and USET, president of the IHSA Region III and past president of the Pioneer Valley Equine Association. In 2000, Payne was the recipient of the IHSA's Lifetime Achievement Award.

Payne regularly has coached Smith riders to regional, zone and/or national championships. Her students include Mary Bunker '85, who finished as national reserve champion high point rider; Elaine Kossowicz '88, twice individual high-point flat rider for Region III; Sally Zink '92, reserve champion high-point rider for Region III; Jessica Roberts '95J, fourth in the Cacchione Cup class at nationals; and most recently, Jessica Willis '05 who placed third in intermediate over fences at the 2003 nationals. At the 1990 nationals Jerilyn Jacobs '89 was champion alumnae rider over fences; Jennifer Fix '98 was 1996 National Reserve Champion in walk, trot and canter and Elizabeth Marcell '99 was 1997 national champion in intermediate over fences. Payne has trained the winners of the PVEA Hunter Seat Medal and has received the Leading Trainer Award at several local AHSA shows.