AUBURN, Ala. - The top-ranked Auburn equestrian team has welcomed 22 new faces to the squad in 2024-25 and it’s time to get to know them!
Today’s feature is Michelle Fumagalli!
Hometown: Scottsdale, Arizona
Discipline: Western
Prior to Auburn: 2024 NRHA Youth Reining Challenge winner … Best of the West Non Pro Derby Champion – L1,2,3,4 and Youth 14-18 … NRHA Derby L1-4 Non-Pro Finalist … AQHA Youth Reserve Champion … Sun Circuit Youth Circuit Champion … 2022 AZRHA Youth Champion.
Q: What made you want to go to Auburn?
A: “I wanted to come to Auburn because of the team. I wanted to be in a competitive environment while still being surrounded by kind and hardworking people and I found that immediately in Auburn.”
Q: What is your major and what do you plan to do with it after you graduate?
A: “I’m a global studies major and would like to do something surrounding social work with children and immigration.”
Q: What is your favorite Auburn tradition and why?
A: “My favorite Auburn tradition is the eagle flight at football games.”
Q: What are you looking forward to in the spring part of the season and what has been your favorite part so far now that the fall is done?
A: “I’m looking forward to championships the most! My favorite part so far has been getting to know all my teammates and learning to ride new horses.”
Q: How long have you been riding horses and what was the name of your first horse?
A: “I have been riding for about 14 years and have been competing for 10 years. My first horse was named Diamond.”
Q: What has been your favorite riding memory throughout your entire time with the sport?
A: “I have a lot of favorite riding memories including wins at bigger competitions such as the NRHA Derby and Futurity.”
Q: How has your freshman experience been so far?
A: “My freshman experience has been amazing thanks to all of the guidance from upperclassmen, coaches and staff!”
Q: Where is your favorite place to be on campus or around Auburn and why?
A: “My favorite place to be on campus is definitely Jordan-Hare stadium. Football games are some of my favorite moments with my teammates.”
Q: What is your favorite Auburn sport to go to and why?
A: “Football because of the energy!”
Q: What are some hobbies that you like to do outside of riding?
A: “I love to read, dance, ski, and anything outdoors!”
Q: What is your favorite trip you have taken or your dream trip that you want to take?
A: “My favorite trip I have taken was to Costa Rica with some high school friends!”
Q: What is your favorite home cooked mean and what makes it so special?
A: “My favorite home cooked meal is penne al’arrabiatta because it’s something we always cook at home as a go to meal and has become my favorite.”
Q: Do you have a pre-meet routine? If so, what is it?
A: “Before meets I just like to visualize my pattern in detail and listen to music to focus.”
Q: What has been the best concert you’ve ever attended?
A: “My favorite concert I have ever attended was a Rosalía concert for my sixteenth birthday.”
Q: If you could have any actor portray you in a movie, who would it be and why?
A: “If any actor could portray me in a movie it would have to be Gina Rodriguez because I like a lot of the characters she plays.”