Upcoming Event: Equestrian versus TCU on February 6, 2026 at TBA
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South Dakota State University Athletics
Photo by: SDSU Athletics
WERKHOVEN HIRED AS EQUESTRIAN HEAD COACH
1/22/2026 4:55:00 PM | Equestrian
South Dakota State Director of Athletics Justin Sell announced Thursday the hiring of Julia Werkhoven as head coach of the Jackrabbits' equestrian program.
"Through her time competing here and more recently as an assistant coach, Julia knows what South Dakota State University is all about," Sell said. "What stands out with Julia is her commitment to providing our student-athletes with the best possible experience."
One of the most successful riders in program history, Werkhoven holds the distinction of being the only Jackrabbit to earn All-America honors in two separate seasons. She earned honorable mention recognition in flat from Ariat and the National Collegiate Equestrian Association in both 2022 and 2024.
A native of Tempe, Arizona, Werkhoven also received all-academic accolades at the conference and national level. She graduated with a bachelor's degree in business economics in 2023 and completed a master's degree in economics at SDSU a year later.
Following graduation, Werkhoven worked locally as an assistant trainer at Bay View Farms. She returned to the Jackrabbit equestrian program as assistant coach for the jumping seat events in September and helped lead the team to a 3-4 record in head-to-head competitions through the first half of the season, as well as a top-10 ranking for the first time since March 2021.
SDSU returns to competition with home meets Feb. 6 versus TCU and Feb. 7 against Delaware State.
-GoJacks.com-
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"Through her time competing here and more recently as an assistant coach, Julia knows what South Dakota State University is all about," Sell said. "What stands out with Julia is her commitment to providing our student-athletes with the best possible experience."
One of the most successful riders in program history, Werkhoven holds the distinction of being the only Jackrabbit to earn All-America honors in two separate seasons. She earned honorable mention recognition in flat from Ariat and the National Collegiate Equestrian Association in both 2022 and 2024.
A native of Tempe, Arizona, Werkhoven also received all-academic accolades at the conference and national level. She graduated with a bachelor's degree in business economics in 2023 and completed a master's degree in economics at SDSU a year later.
Following graduation, Werkhoven worked locally as an assistant trainer at Bay View Farms. She returned to the Jackrabbit equestrian program as assistant coach for the jumping seat events in September and helped lead the team to a 3-4 record in head-to-head competitions through the first half of the season, as well as a top-10 ranking for the first time since March 2021.
SDSU returns to competition with home meets Feb. 6 versus TCU and Feb. 7 against Delaware State.
-GoJacks.com-
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Equestrian: Fresno State/UT Martin/South Dakota State (Indoor Arena) - Day 1
Monday, September 30