WACO, Texas - Delaware State equestrian senior McKenzie Elkins (Jumping Seat) was named the Standout Student-Athlete for the month of March, as announced by the conference office on Thursday.

According to the conference office, this award highlights riders based on "...outstanding performances outside of the ring, including academics, philanthropy, outstanding attitude, and embodiment of an ideal teammate."

"McKenzie Elkins is a senior student-athlete whose resilience and work ethic set her apart," Delaware State equestrian head coach Jennifer Ridgely said. "Despite being in physical therapy from previous surgeries, she never misses a lesson and remains fully committed to her team. McKenzie goes above and beyond, stepping up to care for horses when icy roads prevented others from helping, even holding horses in 4-degree weather for the farrier. She ensures the horses are well cared for, allowing starting roster riders to travel to various barns for practice when the home rings were frozen. With only two full-time coaching staff, the team relies heavily on McKenzie's organizational skills. She takes responsibility for essential tasks such as managing travel nutrition orders, creating itineraries, coordinating merchandise orders, and maintaining farrier schedules. McKenzie's dedication, dependability, and leadership make her an invaluable asset to her team, embodying the true spirit of a student-athlete."

Elkins is a native of Woodlands, Texas.

To read the conference press release, click here.