Originally published by Hollins Athletics on October 10, 2025.
Hollins University proudly announces it is joining the National Collegiate Equestrian Association (NCEA), marking a significant milestone in the institution’s storied equestrian tradition. This move positions Hollins among the nation’s elite collegiate riding programs and expands opportunities for student-athletes to compete at the highest level of varsity equestrian sport.
“We are proud to have the Hollins University equestrian program join the NCEA beginning in the 2026-27 season,” said Lynn Hickey, NCEA Executive Director. “It is an honor to add an academic institution like Hollins University to our membership, which also has an established, competitive, and successful equestrian program. The addition of Hollins University to the NCEA helps us to continue to strengthen our growing Single Discipline Division of teams that are currently competing in the NCEA. We welcome them and look forward to assisting them as they expand their competitive athletic opportunities for their students.”
Hollins will introduce its NCEA Division III equestrian program in the 2026-27 academic year, marking an exciting new chapter in the university’s storied riding tradition.
Hollins has long been recognized as one of the nation’s strongest equestrian schools, with a legacy of excellence in hunter seat instruction, intercollegiate competition, and horsemanship. The university’s riding program has produced numerous champions and national qualifiers through the Intercollegiate Horse Shows Association (IHSA) and the Old Dominion Athletic Conference (ODAC). Hollins will retain its membership within the IHSA while expanding into NCEA competition, offering student-athletes enhanced opportunities to compete and excel.
“We are thrilled to join the NCEA and continue our tradition of excellence in Riding,” said Chris Kilcoyne, Director of Athletics at Hollins. “This opportunity enables our student-athletes to compete at the highest level, showcasing the strength of our program on a national stage. Our commitment to the NCEA will not only advance our equestrian program but also open the door to broader, more competitive opportunities that will enrich the student-athlete experience for years to come.”
The Green and Gold will compete as a single-discipline Jumping Seat team, becoming the 10th program of its kind within the NCEA and the sixth NCAA Division III program institution to adopt the NCEA format.
