FRESNO - Fresno State equestrian senior Alexandra Dirickson has been a staple to the program for the last four years as a rider in both hunt seat events. Choosing Fresno State was not a tough decision for the Thousand Oaks, Calif. native. "I chose to come to Fresno State because it was the only Division I equestrian program on the West Coast at the time and I wanted to stay somewhat local," said Dirickson. "It is far enough away from home, but it is close enough to where if I wanted to go home I could."

Being able to have the freedom of a young college student, but also being just a four hour drive away from home, gave Dirickson exactly what she wanted out of her college experience. At Fresno State, she had the ability to continue to show her passion for horses as well as explore deeper in what she loves to do, and that is art.

"I am a studio arts major with an emphasis in painting. I have always really liked drawing and painting growing up, so it worked out."

This season, Dirickson has had a breakout season in both events, leading the team in both Equitation Over Fences and Equitation on the Flat with a combined 13-12 record and four Most Outstanding Player accolades in her senior campaign.

Outside of riding, Dirickson has been able to learn a lot about what it takes to raise successful horses, maintain a barn and arena, and that is what she hopes to do after her time at Fresno State.

"I noticed that being on the equestrian team has really helped with my resume. When I was doing my resume, I realized that I have all of these things that I have done on the team that I wouldn't have done without it. The bonds that I have made with my teammates is also something that I think is really unique to the program."

Having 30-plus women to share this experience with year after year has given the senior the opportunity to find friends who share the same passion as her.

As the year comes to a close, Dirickson has kept those 30-plus girls in her mind in her final career rides as a Bulldog. She also wants to enjoy it. The last four years have flown by and the reality of graduating is beginning to hit the senior who will ride in her last home rides on Saturday.

"I think my goals change a lot. I would love to be an All-American, but more than that I want to focus on having fun and enjoying myself. I know it is a competition and obviously I want to win, but I want to make it something that I remember for something that I enjoyed and not something that stressed me out."

"After graduation, I am going to professionally ride horses. I hope to be an assistant trainer somewhere."

For Dirickson, her mind is set on not allowing the end of her horse showing career to come with her college graduation. However, her next steps will never compare to all of the steps she has taken at Fresno State. Being a Bulldog has given her experiences of a lifetime and has prepared her for life as a professional in the equestrian world.

"My farewell to Fresno State would be to my teammates and to the horses. I have formed a lot of bonds with all of the girls and horses here and I definitely am going to miss riding and living with my friends everyday. The toughest thing for me is going to be not being in that kind of environment with girls who can relate to you so much."

"Just the Ticket to Build Our Community" -The Bulldog Scholarship Fund gives Bulldog alumni, fans and friends the opportunity to support Fresno State Athletics and the student-athletes who inspire them. For information about how you can support the Bulldog Scholarship Fund, please visit www.bulldogscholarshipfund.com or call 559-278-7160.