Oklahoma State University Athletics
Cowgirl Cultue: Sydnee Gemar
September 30, 2021 | Cowgirl Equestrian
Sydnee Gemar exemplified what it means to be a Cowgirl inside and outside the equestrian arena.
Gemar competed for the Cowgirl Equestrian team from 2017-21 and graduated from Oklahoma State in May 2021. Mainly competing in Horsemanship for the Cowgirls, Gemar was often applauded for her leadership among the team by the OSU coaching staff and was recognized for her hard work in the classroom as she was twice named to the NCEA All-Academic First Team.
Originally from Sutton, Nebraska, Gemar said she felt immediately right at home upon arriving in Stillwater in 2017. She loved the strong family culture she was joining and was comfortable with her new teammates from the very first night on campus, as well as with OSU head coach Larry Sanchez.
"Our first week in practice, talking to Larry was super reassuring," Gemar said. "You could just tell he'd have your back… he was going to push you to do your best, but he was never going to do it in a demeaning way."
Coach Sanchez felt the same positive feeling towards Gemar.
"Every coach appreciates and values when you get a rider like Sydnee," Sanchez said. "She has a tremendous work ethic, leads by example and takes care of her business without supervision. I couldn't be more proud of her."
Gemar majored in biology and pre-health while at Oklahoma State. As she got older and her schoolwork progressively became more difficult, it was that much tougher finding time to balance such a strenuous class schedule alongside being a high-level student athlete. Yet again, Gemar credited her teammates for providing constant support to help her get through her most difficult times.
"As soon as any girl noticed it, they were right there behind you… They were my support system and pretty much what got me through these last couple years," Gemar said.
Gemar is now attending medical school at the University of Nebraska Medical Center and is interested in getting into anesthesiology or pathology. She still keeps up with her former teammates daily and relies on the friendships she built while at Oklahoma State to this day.
OSU assistant coach Laura Brainard is confident Gemar will thrive in her post-college career much she did while at Oklahoma State.
"Sydnee is the epitome of an exceptional student athlete… I know she will be very successful in medical school and beyond," Brainard said
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