WACO, Texas - The Baylor equestrian program closed out the National Letter of Intent early signing period with three signees for the 2016-17 season. The Bears add three riders, two hunt seat and one western, to join the team in the arena starting in the fall 2016 season.

"We have signed some key riders to fill in places on our team nicely," said 11th-year head coach Ellen White. "These athletes will add balance to the strengths of our team, and make us stronger, overall, in each discipline."

Katie Fritz
Hunt Seat | Waxhaw, North Carolina

Katie Fritz signed with the Bears out of Waxhaw, North Carolina and Cuthbertson High School.

Fritz brings deep experience in the Hunt Seat discipline, traveling extensively to compete in major junior equitation events. Katie was recognized as a member of the 2015 United States Hunter Jumper Association (USHJA) Emerging Athlete Program, previously earning the 15-17 Equitation Championship for USHJA Zone 3 in 2014. Fritz also carries championships from the South Carolina and North Carolina Hunter Jumper Associations.

Georgia Smith
Western | Phoenix, Arizona

Georgia Smith signed to BU out of Phoenix, Arizona and Boulder Creek High School.

Smith carries a long list of accolades and achievements in the Western discipline, carrying national awards and titles over the past several years. Georgia earned the 2012 NRCHA Stallion Staked Reserve Champion title, as well as the 2015 NRCHA Stallion Stakes Champion Youth Bridle. Smith was also a top-10 finalist in the 2014 NRCHA Celebration of Champions Youth Bridle and qualified for the NRCHA World Championships in 2011-2014, additionally qualifying for the 2013 AQHYA World Show.

Maddie Day
Hunt Seat | Brick, New Jersey

Maddie Day joins the Bears out of Brick, New Jersey and Brick Memorial High School.

Day adds a wealth of experience in Hunt Seat, competing in several national junior equitation events, including the 2014 and 2015 Medal Finals and Maclay Finals. Maddie had top-20 finishes in the Hunterdon Cup in both 2014 and 2015, while adding top-10 finishes in the 2015 Capital Challenge. Day brings Top Ribbons in Equitation from the HITS Saugerties, Brandywine, and Ocala events.

2016 Baylor Equestrian Signing Class
Katie Fritz
Hunt Seat | Waxhaw, North Carolina
Georgia Smith
Western | Phoenix, Arizona
Maddie Day
Hunt Seat | Brick, New Jersey

-BU-