Baylor EQ: Get to Know Avery Mortman

[Ingram, Brent]

BAYLOR ATHLETIC COMMUNICATIONS – June 24, 2024

EQ: Get to Know Avery Mortman
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 sixth 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 rising sophomore out of Magnolia, Texas, Avery Mortman joined the Bears for the 2023 season. A product of Legacy Preparatory Christian Academy in The Woodlands, Mortman had a decorated prep career that included top-10 finishes in multiple events at the 2023 All-American Quarter Horse Congress, the 2022 NSBA World Show, the 2020, 2021 and 2022 AQHYA World Shows.



At what age did you begin competing in equestrian events?

Avery Mortman: 5 years old



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

AM: My parents tried to get me to try all the sports. One day my dad signed me up for riding lessons once a week and suddenly I was hooked. Our family friends also had horses, which they showed competitively, and I started riding with them when I was five and then began showing.



What is your earliest memory of riding?

AM: Showing “leadline” at The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo on my first horse, being led by my dad. There is a pretty iconic picture of me lying on my saddle horn and my horse, “Emma” posing perfectly. I was about 5.



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

AM: A former collegiate athlete that I admire so much is one of my best friends, Harley Huff. She was on the OSU Equestrian Team for 4 years and claimed Big 12 Rider of the Year each of those years. She is an incredible rider and person. She inspires me to always work hard and is always is there to offer me advice inside and outside of the pen.



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

AM: I have a family of four. My mom, Michelle, my Dad, Michael, and my little sister, Savannah. Each of my family members has supported and encouraged me equally in different ways. However, my dad spent most of my childhood and teenage years on the road with me taking me to different shows around the country. I have so many fond memories of those trips and will cherish them forever. My dad has not only physically supported me but has always challenged and pushed me to be my best inside and out of the arena.



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

AM: I am really great at finding the positives. Even if I have a bad go or did not place as well as I hoped, I am able to look at things from a bigger-picture perspective and understand that the sport of Equestrian is very subjective. One bad go does not (usually) make or break you, there is always another show. However, sometimes I struggle with the stress and amount of pressure I put on myself. While I know I will be okay with the different outcomes, I want to do well. At big shows especially, I find myself putting too much pressure on myself which usually results in me doing worse.



Why did you decide to attend Baylor?

AM: The minute I stepped on campus I just knew. I never really used to believe people when they said that, but then I visited Baylor. After my visit, there were no questions it was Baylor. My faith has been a huge part of my life and story for most of my teenage years and I knew that Baylor would allow me to cultivate relationships and a life centered in Christ. I could not imagine attending any other school.



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

AM: My major is in Journalism, specifically PR with a minor in entrepreneurship. I am hoping to enter the collegiate sports field within the business/marketing side.



What are your career goals and why do you have an interest in pursuing that particular career?

AM: I have always enjoyed college athletics, it just brings a different passion and energy than professional. I think college is such an influential period of athletes' lives and to get the chance to be surrounded by them and potentially get to influence and impact them would be so cool.



Have there been any big obstacles that you have had to overcome in your life? How did you overcome them and how did that experience help shape you?

AM: In 2018 my house was struck by lightning (twice) while I was home by myself. My entire life was in shambles in a matter of minutes. I was displaced from my home for 11 months and was also in the process of moving schools at the time. Life did an entire 180, but so did I. During this time, I found my faith and testimony to God and His great love. Since then, my relationship with God has shaped every single day of my life.



What do you enjoy doing outside of equestrian and school?

AM: I love spending time with my family and friends. There is nothing better than quality time with the people you love.



Do you have any pets?

AM: I have 5 dogs (Beau, Baylor, Abbie, Duke, and Porter) and 8 horses (Gumy, Nolan, Nelly, Bella, Comet, Buttercup, Kelly, Emma).



What is something most people might not know about you?

AM: I am an extremely good parallel parker.



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

AM: Funny enough, I don’t aim to exactly be remembered or known for what I do inside the arena or classroom, but more so for what I can do within the community of my team and Baylor athletics as a whole. Baylor is such a special place with so many special people and I would love to be a part of all they are doing, specifically within Ministry. Sports Ministry has already been so influential in my day to day life and connection with my team, and it is my goal to help and encourage others to know Christ more.



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

AM: To a lot of faith, patience and gratitude, because one day you’ll look back and be exactly where you prayed to be.



- BaylorBears.com -


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

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