Oklahoma State University Athletics
Laura Brainard
Cowgirl Equestrian Names Laura Brainard as Associate Head Coach
June 10, 2025 | Cowgirl Equestrian
STILLWATERÂ - Oklahoma State Equestrian announced the promotion of Laura Brainard to Associate Head Coach. Entering her seventh season with the Cowgirls, Brainard has served the past six years as the assistant western coach and has been a driving force behind the program's continued dominance on the national stage.
"I'm incredibly honored and grateful to step into the role of Associate Head Coach at Oklahoma State," Brainard said. "It's been a privilege to be part of this team's journey and to witness the dedication and growth of our student-athletes year after year."
Since joining the staff, Brainard has helped guide Oklahoma State to five consecutive Big 12 Championships, multiple national semifinal appearances, and the program's first overall NCEA National Championship in 2022.
"The success we've had—from making history with our first national championship in a women's sport to winning five consecutive Big 12 titles—is a reflection of the incredible dedication of our student-athletes, the support of our administration, and the rich traditions of excellence in OSU athletics and the equestrian community," Brainard said.
"Coach Laura Brainard has been an integral part of our program for the past six years and has contributed to the great success we have had," said head coach Larry Sanchez. "I really appreciate her dedication and hard work and am proud to announce her much-deserved promotion to Associate Head Coach."
In 2022, Brainard earned national recognition as the NCEA Western Coach of the Year after the Cowgirls captured both the Big 12 and NCEA national titles.
Brainard's influence has extended far beyond the team's trophies. Over her tenure, she has coached 18 All-Americans, three Big 12 Riders of the Year, and 14 All-Big 12 selections. Her horsemanship and reining squads have been among the best in the nation year after year.
Brainard and the Cowgirls will return to action this fall, aiming to build on their legacy with a sixth straight Big 12 title and another run at the national crown.
Â
"I'm incredibly honored and grateful to step into the role of Associate Head Coach at Oklahoma State," Brainard said. "It's been a privilege to be part of this team's journey and to witness the dedication and growth of our student-athletes year after year."
Since joining the staff, Brainard has helped guide Oklahoma State to five consecutive Big 12 Championships, multiple national semifinal appearances, and the program's first overall NCEA National Championship in 2022.
"The success we've had—from making history with our first national championship in a women's sport to winning five consecutive Big 12 titles—is a reflection of the incredible dedication of our student-athletes, the support of our administration, and the rich traditions of excellence in OSU athletics and the equestrian community," Brainard said.
"Coach Laura Brainard has been an integral part of our program for the past six years and has contributed to the great success we have had," said head coach Larry Sanchez. "I really appreciate her dedication and hard work and am proud to announce her much-deserved promotion to Associate Head Coach."
In 2022, Brainard earned national recognition as the NCEA Western Coach of the Year after the Cowgirls captured both the Big 12 and NCEA national titles.
Brainard's influence has extended far beyond the team's trophies. Over her tenure, she has coached 18 All-Americans, three Big 12 Riders of the Year, and 14 All-Big 12 selections. Her horsemanship and reining squads have been among the best in the nation year after year.
Brainard and the Cowgirls will return to action this fall, aiming to build on their legacy with a sixth straight Big 12 title and another run at the national crown.
Â
Cowboy Football Ch. 2: Trailer vs Oregon - Opportunity
Friday, September 05
The Mike Gundy Show: UT Martin Game Review
Thursday, September 04
Making the Squad: Oklahoma State Pom, Pt. 3
Wednesday, September 03
Mike Gundy Previews Cowboys at Oregon - Oklahoma State News Conference (9-1-2025)
Tuesday, September 02
