Name – Hayley Banas
Hometown- Lake Forest, IL
Major- Advertising- Strategic Brand Management Track
Team- Equestrian
Organizations- Pi Beta Phi and Equestrian team all four years
 
When did you start riding? 
I started riding when I was five years old and have continued with it ever since.
 
Did anyone in your family ride? 
Yes, my mom has ridden her entire life and she introduced it to me at very young age. My mom and dad have been my biggest supporters not only in horseback riding, but also throughout my whole life in anything I have decided to pursue. I would not be where I am today without their full support. My older sister and younger brother used to ride competitively and they will still occasionally come out to the barn and ride with me.
 
What is your favorite childhood memory? 
My favorite childhood memory is when my parents bought my first horse Ella. She was a horse of a lifetime and the best horse that I have ever had.
 
What has been your biggest accomplishment within your riding career? 
Probably being in the top ribbons consistently on four different horses my junior year of high school in Wellington, Florida. I was showing in the Equitation, Low Junior jumpers, Medium Junior jumpers and the High Junior jumpers.  
 
When did you decide you wanted to ride in college? 
 I decided I wanted to ride in college when I was a freshman in high school. I didn't know much about college riding, but when I learned more about it I became very interested and decided that I really wanted to be part of a team since riding has always been an individual sport.
 
How did you decide on SMU? 
I was in contact with the coaches my junior year of high school and I came to visit and was sold on the school entirely. I loved Dallas, the people and the Equestrian team. I was beyond excited when I was recruited at SMU.

What would you say your role on the team has been?
I have seen the team transform a lot in the four years that I have been at SMU. I would like to say that I have been a part of changing the attitude and creating a positive and winning team. I know when I graduate we will continue to have an amazing group of girls.

Who is your favorite SMU horse? 
I love so many of them, but Dillon is probably my favorite. He is adorable and not only jumps great, but also has the best personality.

What is your favorite experience from being on the team?
Traveling with the team is always really fun and very eventful. No matter where we go we always have a great time.

What was your biggest accomplishment at SMU?
I think getting into the advertising major, succeeding in it and being on the roster my senior year on the team.

What is your biggest take away from your SMU experience as you move into the next stage of your life?
My biggest take away would be that hard work and commitment really pays off and I will hold that with me no matter where I go in the future.

What advice would you give to incoming athletes about the team and college experience?
I would let them know that it is a privilege to be on a team but it is also a huge commitment. It is a lot of hard work, but after putting a lot of time and effort it is so rewarding. Time management is really key when it comes to being on a team and doing well academically.

What do you plan on doing when you graduate?
I plan on riding and competing a lot in the summer after I graduate and then working in New York at an advertising agency after that.

What will you miss the most about SMU?
I am going to miss everything about SMU. I love it so much and it is going to be really hard to leave such an amazing place. I probably will miss all of the people that have made it such a special experience the most.