Sarah Irvine guided the Bridgewater College Equestrian program from its infancy to one of the top programs in the region during her tenure as the program’s director.
Irvine was hired as the program’s first coach in 2001. Over the next decade, the program won two regional titles, a pair of ODAC Championships and one Zones title. The program also finished second at the ODAC show four times and second in the regional standings four times.Starting with six riders in 2000, she helped grow the program to 140 riders during her final year.
Bridgewater won its first IHSA regional title in 2006 and added ODAC titles in 2007 and 2009. Irvine was named ODAC Coach of the Year during both championship runs.
In her final season at the helm, Irvine led the Eagles to another regional crown and the program’s first-ever Zones title. The victory at Zones qualified the Eagles for the IHSA National Show for the first time, and the team placed fifth overall.
During her time as head coach, Irvine coached 14 riders who qualified for the IHSA National Show, including one national champion. Irvine also mentored two ODAC Riders of the Year and four ODAC Rookies of the Year.
During the 1980s, Irvine was a member of the coaching staff at Southern Seminary College, helping lead the school to 10 national titles.
An accomplished rider and trainer, Irvine is a member of the Southwest Virginia Hunters/Jumpers Association Hall of Fame. She won classes as a rider at the prestigious Washington International, Harrisburg National and Lake Placid shows. Irvine holds a master’s degree in education from the University of Virginia.
In recognition of her contributions to the Bridgewater College riding program during her tenure as Head Coach and Director of Riding, Sarah Irvine is worthy of induction into the Bridgewater College Athletics Hall of Fame.
