Baylor EQ: Get to Know Mia Chimenti

[Ingram, Brent]

BAYLOR ATHLETIC COMMUNICATIONS – Aug. 12, 2024

EQ: Get to Know Mia Chimenti
Get to Know Baylor’s Equestrian Student-Athletes

For more information contact: Brent Ingram; 210-845-8651, brent_ingram at baylor.edu<mailto:brent_ingram at baylor.edu>



Editor’s Note: This is the 11th part of a Summer series allowing the Baylor fans to get to know some of the elite student-athletes from the equestrian team on BaylorBears.com.



A native of Far Hills, N.J., Mia Chimenti is entering her junior season at Baylor. A competitor in Jumping Seat, who prepped at Kent Place School, Chimenti was a class winner in Junior Hunters at the 2019 National Horse Show and qualified for Medal and Maclay Finals in 2020. She was a Grand Champion in Junior Hunters at the 2020 National Horse Show.



At what age did you begin competing in equestrian events?

Mia Chimenti: I started competing at 10 years old.



Why did you start competing in equestrian / under what circumstances did you begin?

MC: I started riding after my girl-scout troop took a field trip to a local farm to earn a horse badge. At the farm they gave each of us a folder with a series of papers such as a diagram of the parts of a horse, the names of all the tack required to ride a horse and a coupon for a free-riding lesson. I used my coupon for the lesson and instantly fell in love with the sport.



What is your earliest memory of riding?

MC: My earliest memory of riding is the first lesson that I ever had, where I rode a small pony named Timmy. Even though I just walked around the arena on him, I had the time of my life.



Who is a current/former collegiate or professional athlete whom you admire and why?

MC: I really look up to former my former Baylor Equestrian teammate Maddie Vorhies. Maddie was an amazing role model in both the arena and the classroom, always working hard and succeeding in everything that she does. While I am really going to miss her next year, I am excited to see all that she will accomplish in her career post-Baylor.



What family members have made the biggest impact on your life and why?

MC: My family includes my dad Jim, my mom Mary, and my younger sister Sophia. My parents have made the biggest impact on my life with their support in my riding. Neither of them grew up around horses or knew much about them but once I started riding they were eager to learn, and they have always been my No. 1 supporter in helping me reach my goals.



What are your strengths in your discipline? What are the areas you are currently trying to work on the most?

MC: I feel like I have a strong foundation, but I am always looking for ways to gain more experience and confidence in the arena.



Why did you decide to attend Baylor?

MC: When I first heard of Baylor, it was before I had started competing. My babysitter at the time was going through the college application process and after being accepted, decided to attend Baylor. Because of her, I always knew that I wanted to look at the school when it was my turn to start applying. Years later when I knew that I wanted to try to ride Division 1, I made plans to visit the school. After touring the campus and meeting with the coaches, I knew instantly that it was where I wanted to be.



What is your academic major and why did you select that major?

MC: I am double majoring in Biology and Greek & Roman Studies and am on the pre-med track. I always knew that I wanted to study something science-related in college and eventually attend medical school, I decided on Biology after having great experiences studying it in high school. While I always loved my science courses, I found myself enjoying my history ones just as much. I decided to continue this interest in the form of a double major so I could reach my career goals while taking a range of classes that I found exciting.



What do you enjoy doing outside of equestrian and school?

MC: I really enjoy running. I have always had fun doing local races every once in a while and have become more serious about it in the past few years. Earlier this March, I completed my first half marathon and (eventually) would like to run a full marathon.



What is something most people might not know about you?

MC: I love to read and have a bad habit of buying new books before finishing ones I already own. While I would consider myself to be a fast reader (I read over 50 books in 2023!), I still have yet to make a dent in my ever-growing collection of unread books.



What would you most like to be known for as a Baylor student-athlete?

MC: I would really like to be known for my work ethic. I have always admired others who work hard, and it would be something that I would be proud to be recognized for.



What advice would you give to a young girl who would like to one day be in your shoes?

MC: I would tell her to always take advantage of every opportunity and never take anything for granted.



- BaylorBears.com -


--
Brent Ingram | Associate AD for Communications
Men’s Tennis Sport Program Administrator
Department of Athletics | Baylor University
C: 210-845-8651

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