Show ring to Olympic rings?

Sloane Coles (’11) a lacrosse player and equestrienne, is best introduced by Women’s Lacrosse Head Coach Kimberly Christos who said, “Sloane amazes me. She is an integral member of the lacrosse team here at Drew and she is also a world class equestrian rider. She is currently training and preparing to make the Olympic Team in 2012.” Coles is also an all-conference and all-region lacrosse player. In the winter months, she splits her time between Drew and West Palm, Florida.  According to Christos, Coles spends Sunday evening through Wednesday evening at Drew and then flies to Florida Wednesday evening though Sunday to train at the Wellington Training Center. “She does all this while maintaining a 3.4 GPA. I think she is truly amazing and one of the most special and interesting people here at Drew,” said Christos. Coles is a sociology major with a behavioral science minor and has high aspirations. Her career plans are competing internationally at the top level of show jumping.
The Acorn: What sports do you play? What positions?
Coles: Show jumping and lacrosse—mid field.
The Acorn: How long have you been playing lax? Riding?
Coles: I’ve been playing lacrosse since I was in third grade and riding before I can remember.
The Acorn: Why did you start playing lax? Riding?
Coles: I started playing lacrosse in middle school because it was mandatory, I also looked up to my brother who played. As for riding, my parents were both professionals and I was always eager to ride.
The Acorn: What is your favorite thing about playing sports?
Coles: Pushing myself to be the best I can be and having the support of my teammates and coaches, they’re my second family.
The Acorn: What do you think about when you need to motivate yourself?
Coles: I believe you have to be motivated or driven to accomplish your dreams. I want to be the best I can possibly be, and I know that takes practice, that’s what motivates me every day. 
The Acorn: Your lacrosse coach Kim Christos mentioned that you are training to make the Olympic Team in 2012. What are you doing for that?
Coles: Yes, over the next two years I will continue to work in that direction, building up support and the “horse power” I would need for the Olympic trials. However, to get there, I still need a lot more national and international experience, but that’s the direction I’m headed in.
The Acorn: Do you have one specific horse that you train with?
Coles: I show and ride many different horses for other people but I do have one very special horse, Louisiana. My family has owned her for the last four years and we have grown up together.
The Acorn:  Christos mentioned that you have to travel to Florida a lot to train, how do you balance traveling with school?
Coles: I fly back and forth to Florida every week, leaving school Wednesday after class and returning Sunday nights. It’s not easy. I get a little tired balancing my riding, school work and lacrosse practices.
The Acorn: You have a very busy schedule, how do you balance everything?
Coles: Time management! I’ve always had a busy life—I guess I’m just used to it. However, it wouldn’t be possible without the support of my friends, family, coaches and trainers!  Especially Kim Christos and Mark Leone, my lacrosse and riding coaches.
The Acorn: What is the funniest thing that’s ever happened during a game or practice?
Coles: Our coach’s dog comes to our practices sometimes. Recently we were doing suicides with crunches and pushups on the end lines, he followed me the whole time tackling me when I attempted to do any of the pushups or crunches.  It was hard to keep a straight face.    
The Acorn: If you had to be stuck on a deserted island with anyone, who would it be?
Coles: My best friends from home, I hardly get to see them!
The Acorn: Favorite sports quote that a coach said or you read somewhere else?
Coles: [Arthur Ashe’s quote,] “You are never really playing an opponent. You are playing yourself, your own highest standards and when you reach your limits; that is real joy.”
The Acorn:  Something absurd/random about yourself?
Coles: I’m in the airport waiting for my flight back to school writing this e-mail—it’s nice. I usually do homework in the airport.