Shillingford, Waggoner Named Equestrian Captains for 2026-27 Season
5/21/2026 8:12:00 AM | Equestrian
Two decorated student-athletes will guide the Pioneers into the upcoming campaign
FAIRFIELD, Conn. – Sacred Heart University equestrian head coach Hanna Lloyd announced that Eleese Shillingford and Reagan Waggoner will serve as team captains for the 2026-27 season.
"Eleese and Reagan have led by example through their dedication, work ethic, and commitment to our program," said coach Lloyd. "They embody the culture we strive to build, and I'm confident they will do a great job leading our team this upcoming season."
Shillingford has made an impact both academically and competitively during her time with the Pioneers. The Milton, Ga., native is a two-time NCEA All-Academic First Team selection and earned recognition on the NCEA Honor Roll in both 2025 and 2026. Following a standout 25-26 season in flat competition, she was also named to the ECAC All-Conference Flat Team.
"Being named captain means so much to me because this team has truly become a second family over the last three years," said Shillingford. "I'm incredibly grateful for the opportunity to give back to a team that has given me so much. I'm most excited to continue building the positive and supportive environment that makes our team so special, while also pushing each other to grow, compete at our highest level, and accomplish big things together this upcoming season."
Waggoner has also distinguished herself in the classroom and in competition, collecting two NCEA All-Academic First Team honors and earning NCEA Honor Roll recognition. This season, the Media, Penn. native was additionally named NCEA Most Outstanding Performer in Flat following Sacred Heart's meet against Centenary on Oct. 25.
"I am beyond grateful for the opportunity to be a leader on this team," said Waggoner. "This program has had such a positive impact on my life and has taught me to be a better person, friend, and horsewoman. I'm looking forward to next season surrounded by such a hardworking and committed group, and I'm excited for us to continue growing closer as a team while pushing each other to be the best we can be. Let's make this season one to remember both in and out of the ring."
"Eleese and Reagan have led by example through their dedication, work ethic, and commitment to our program," said coach Lloyd. "They embody the culture we strive to build, and I'm confident they will do a great job leading our team this upcoming season."
Shillingford has made an impact both academically and competitively during her time with the Pioneers. The Milton, Ga., native is a two-time NCEA All-Academic First Team selection and earned recognition on the NCEA Honor Roll in both 2025 and 2026. Following a standout 25-26 season in flat competition, she was also named to the ECAC All-Conference Flat Team.
"Being named captain means so much to me because this team has truly become a second family over the last three years," said Shillingford. "I'm incredibly grateful for the opportunity to give back to a team that has given me so much. I'm most excited to continue building the positive and supportive environment that makes our team so special, while also pushing each other to grow, compete at our highest level, and accomplish big things together this upcoming season."
Waggoner has also distinguished herself in the classroom and in competition, collecting two NCEA All-Academic First Team honors and earning NCEA Honor Roll recognition. This season, the Media, Penn. native was additionally named NCEA Most Outstanding Performer in Flat following Sacred Heart's meet against Centenary on Oct. 25.
"I am beyond grateful for the opportunity to be a leader on this team," said Waggoner. "This program has had such a positive impact on my life and has taught me to be a better person, friend, and horsewoman. I'm looking forward to next season surrounded by such a hardworking and committed group, and I'm excited for us to continue growing closer as a team while pushing each other to be the best we can be. Let's make this season one to remember both in and out of the ring."
Players Mentioned
/ Equestrian
/ Equestrian
Saige Harper Paris 2024
Tuesday, April 16
Behind the Boards (MIH): Season 2, Episode 13
Friday, March 08
Behind the Boards (WIH): Season 2, Episode 14
Friday, February 23
Behind the Boards (MIH): Season 2, Episode 12
Friday, February 16
