WACO, Texas – SMU alumna Sylvia de Toledo has been named the recipient of the NCEA 2020 Distinguished Alumni Young Alumni award, the organization announced on Wednesday.
The NCEA Distinguished Alumni Awards are presented to women who, after the completion of their undergraduate degree at an NCEA institution, have made significant contributions in a professional field.
"Sylvia helped put the SMU Equestrian program on the map with her numerous successes, both in the arena and the classroom," head coach
Carol Gwin said. "She is our biggest fan and has made everyone at the Hilltop so proud of her. I love our FaceTime chats after we have a big win! Sylvia is a very special individual."
de Toledo graduated from SMU in 2017 after competing as a Hunt Seat rider for four years. She finished with a 70-35-14 record and 11 MOP honors between competing in Equitation Over Fences and on the Flat. The 70 career wins is good for second-most at SMU and MOPs tie for third.
Her accolades as a Mustang include a UEC 2015 Equitation Over Fences Rider of the Year honor, two All-UEC Equitation Over Fences and Equitation on the Flat team appearances, two All-American Second Team honors and three Academic All-America First Team honors.
Full Awards List:
Business                            Susan Gordon                 Auburn University
Community Engagement                             Olivia Poff                    University of Georgia
Education                           Kimberly McCormack                   University of South Carolina
Equine Industry (Coach)                Kristen Terebesi               University of South Carolina
Equine Industry (Business)              Meredith Houx Remiger         Texas A&M University
Health Sciences/Services               Ryan Batson Smithee           Baylor University
Media & Communication                Tara Matsler                  Texas A&M University
Young Alumni                       Sylvia de Toledo              Southern Methodist University
