By: Victoria White

   On top of going undefeated on the flat this season, senior hunter seat standout Lexi Murphy has also earned an MOP and numerous academic accolades during her time on the Mustangs' roster, including Farnam NCEA All-Academic First Team honors, APHA NCEA Academic Honor Roll and AQHA Academic All-America Honorable Mention accolades. 

    The New Canaan, Connecticut, native, had a stellar prep campaign, too, receiving top placings at WEF, Lake Placid Horse Show, Old Salem Farm and Vermont Summer Festival, in addition to placing seventh in the ASPCA Maclay at the Devon Horse Show, tenth at the Maclay Regionals and qualifying and competing at the USEF Medal Finals, ASPCA Maclay Regionals, ASPCA Maclay Finals, and the USEF Talent search finals, before coming to Dallas to make an impact for SMU.

    Ahead of the No. 2 Mustangs' 10 a.m. meet against the No. 8 OSU Cowgirls in Stillwater, Oklahoma, this Saturday, Murphy answered questions about her history in the sport, why she chose SMU and some personality questions, too! 

Q: How long have you been involved in equestrian and what is your favorite early memory in the sport?
A: I have been riding since I was 11 years old. My favorite early memory of the sport was as a young kid going to New Brunswick, Canada to visit my cousins and getting to go on trail rides in the woods. That was what made me fall in love with horses.
 
 
Q: What do you love most about the sport?
A: The horses are the favorite part of the sport. The connection you have with your horse is indescribable and one of the most special feelings in the world. When a horse finally gets what you are asking, or you finally understand a certain technique, the accomplishment feels huge.
 
Q: What equestrian accomplishment are you most proud of? 
A: I was most proud when I jumped clear in one of my first Grand Prix's the summer before I came to college.
 

Q: Why did you choose SMU?
A: I chose SMU for the team and the academic success of the school. Also when I first walked on campus, I couldn't help but fall in love with the beauty of the school.
 
 
Q:What is special about being a part of the SMU Equestrian Team?
A: The group of girls is what I love so much about this team. I always believe we are so special because the connection and support that I have gotten from all of my friends is greater than I had ever expected. This group of girls is truly special and there is no other team that is this connected to one another.
   
 
Q: What was the moment like when the team won UEC Championships last year, and how'd that day go overall?
A: It was a really great day. We've been working so hard towards a championship for so long, and to finally be part of that team was both a great team and personal accomplishment. Everything went together beautifully, and everyone worked together better than ever.
 
 
Q: Can you describe some of your favorite memories or funny stories with your teammates?
A; One of my favorite memories was when we were the only team my sophomore year to beat the reigning NCEA champions on their home turf. That day really put our team on the map.

Q: Who is your favorite SMU horse?
A: A large tie between Bond and Carisma.
 

Q: What advice would you give your freshmen and sophomore teammates?
A: Really put your trust in your teammates, and don't be afraid to lean on them when you need help. They will always be your greatest supporters and your biggest fans.
 
 
ALL ABOUT LEXI

• Favorite class subject: Economics
• Favorite quote: "Hard work beats talent when talent doesn't work hard"
• Fav pre-meet meal: big fan of Mac & Cheese
• Favorite emoji: 🤷‍♀️ (shrugging girl emoji)  
• Favorite TV show: Friends
• Favorite book: fun fact, I don't read many books
• Favorite movie: Devil Wears Prada
• Favorite Disney character: Simba
• Favorite animal: horse, duh
• Favorite thing about SMU: the team
• Fav thing to do in Dallas: I love to go to different restaurants and see which restaurant has the best queso
• Dream vacation: I would love to do a trip around Ireland 
• My nickname is: Lexer
• One word to describe me when competing: Crazy
• One word to describe me when not competing: compassionate
• The person who has had the greatest impact on my athletic career: Both my previous trainers Frank Madden and Leslie Kogos
• Best pump-up song: Take on Me – Ah Ha
• When I was little, I dreamed of being a: Singer
• Early bird or night owl: Early bird, I'll go to bed at 7 if you let me
• Few people know that I: I've gotten kicked by two different horses, two different times, on the same leg
• My best non-athletic talent(s): I can draw pretty well
• My most prized possession: My ASPCA Maclay Regionals Ribbon
• Three things on my bucket list are: Go to Europe, take a baking class, show a reiner.
• After I graduate, I plan to: Go back home and ride for a little bit. I want to decide whether I want to turn professional. I am also planning on taking the LSAT and decide whether or not law school would be a thing I would like to do.
• My dream job is: Going to Law School and becoming a Lawyer.
• I am most thankful for: My horse Everest who makes me smile no matter the day or situation.