Larry Sanchez - Head Coach - Cowgirl Equestrian Coaches - Oklahoma State University Athletics

Larry Sanchez

Title:
Head Coach
Email:
larry.sanchez@okstate.edu
Phone:
(405) 744-9560

    The only head coach in Oklahoma State Equestrian history, Larry Sanchez has built one of the nation’s top programs in Stillwater.

   Sanchez enters his 23rd season leading the Cowgirls in 2021-22 as OSU looks to continue its standing among college’s most prominent team.

   The numbers OSU has compiled in over two decades of competition under Sanchez speak for themselves.
   • Six NCEA national championships
   • Seven Big 12 Conference championships
   • 60 All-Americans
   • 23 individual national champions
   • Six NCEA national championships
   • Over 150 Academic All-Big 12 performers

   Under the guidance of Sanchez, Oklahoma State Equestrian has made its presence known at the NCEA National Championships every year, winning titles in 2000, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2013. Sanchez also led the Cowgirls to Big 12 crowns in 2009, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2016, 2018, and 2021.

   As one of the most respected and successful equestrian coaches in the country, Sanchez has been essential in the sport’s move toward varsity recognition.

   A native of Colorado, Sanchez began his intercollegiate coaching career at New Mexico State in 1993 and quickly organized one of the nation’s top programs in the IHSA. Under his leadership, NMSU won national titles in 1995, 1997 and 1998.

   Sanchez moved to Stillwater to launch Oklahoma State’s team in 1999. In his 23-year coaching career at OSU, 15 of his qualifying teams have placed in the top four at the national level. Additionally, he has coached an impressive 23 riders to individual national championships and 13 riders to reserve championships.

   OSU’s success under Sanchez began almost immediately as his 2000 team won the program’s first NCEA national championship. The Cowgirls then won four-straight NCEA titles from 2003-06.

   During his years leading the Oklahoma State program, Sanchez has earned his share of individual coaching accolades, including being named the Big 12 Coach of the Year five times.

   In 2013, he earned both NCEA and Big 12 Conference Coach of the Year honors after leading the Cowgirls to their third Big 12 Championship and third NCEA Western National Championship.

   In 2014, Sanchez added another impressive accomplishment to his resume, becoming the first coach in Big 12 Equestrian history to lead his team to three consecutive Big 12 championships.

   During his time at Oklahoma State, Sanchez has coached numerous All-America and All-Big 12 honorees. Since 2011, Stillwater has been home to 60 NCEA All-America selections.

   Thirty-two different Cowgirls have earned All-America honors. Three of those - Lauren Halvorson, Harley Huff and Kary Krshka - earned All-America accolades four times in their distinguished careers, while the list of OSU three-time All-Americans includes six Cowgirls: Jenna Blumer, Abigail Brayman, Jorden Davis, Ebba Lange, Lindsey McMullen and Hannah Mitchell.

   Under Sanchez’s watch, 16 Cowgirls have been named Big 12 Rider of the Year in their respective disciplines, and OSU has had 44 All-Big 12 honorees since the conference began recognizing those in 2012.

   Sanchez’s riders have found great success in the classroom as well. The program’s emphasis on academic success is evident in the team’s frequent appearances on Big 12 and NCEA honor rolls. OSU has earned 155 selections to Academic All-Big 12 teams, and four Cowgirls have been named the Big 12 Scholar-Athlete of the Year.

   Sanchez completed the coursework for his M.A. in agricultural education at New Mexico State and received his B.S. in equine science from Colorado State. He is a carded judge, breeder and competitor within the American Quarter Horse Association.

   Larry and his wife, Julie, who is a registered nurse, have two children, a son, Colton, and a daughter, Caitlyn.