Gators coach Billy Donovan not only family member in SEC starting next season
Wednesday, November 30, 2011 | Men's Basketball, Cross Country, Scott Carter
Gators basketball coach Billy Donovan faced his son earlier this month when Little Billy's Catholic University team came to town for an exhibition game against Florida.
Donovan won't be coaching against his daughter's new team, but he is now a huge fan of the Auburn University equestrian team.
Donovan's 17-year-old daughter, Hasbrouck, has signed an equestrian scholarship with Auburn, the defending national champions.
Hasbrouck is an accomplish Hunt Seat rider who has won numerous awards during her riding career.
The same week her son's team came to the O'Connell Center, Christine Donovan was making plans for a weekend trip to one of Hasbrouck's competitions. Christine used to ride competitively and remains close to the sport through Hasbrouck.
“She has really done well and we're proud of her for what she has accomplished,'' Christine Donovan said. “I enjoy going to the competitions and watching her develop as a rider. She just has a great feel for the sport.''
Auburn coach Greg Williams has followed Hasbrouck's riding career closely in recent years and expects her to fit right in with the No. 1-ranked Tigers next season.
“She is very talented and continues to get even stronger,'' Williams said in Auburn's release. “She has not only competed and won at the highest level, but she has grown up understanding how team dynamics are so important, and she will easily make the transition to college riding."
