Coley Shiflet & Kennedy Wisdom Named 2025 UPHA Scholarship Recipients
Monday, July 21, 2025
Coley Shiflet Named 2025 UPHA Maria Knight Scholarship Recipient
From Coley:
"Growing up, I was always at the barn with my mom and sister. I would be brushing my pony, Lily, cleaning tack, practicing with my sister, feeding the horses, cleaning the stalls, trying to unload the hay, playing with the barn animals, and finger painting the horses. I have so many memories from the barn that will stay with me forever. I have always been a little scared of riding horses, though. I was very tiny, and being on such a big animal was scary. But my mom/trainer never let me give up! She taught me that fear doesn’t have to stop me but something I can work through one step at a time.
Being a timid rider forced me to develop patience, trust, and discipline. Every time I rode was a lesson of perseverance. I couldn’t fake my confidence around a horse; I had to earn it. And slowly, over time, I did. Through every ride, fall, and lesson ending in tears, I got back on the saddle and kept going. I didn’t realize but those long days at the barn were building who I am today. My sister started playing volleyball along with riding, which began to grow my passion in a different direction. The same mindset I had grown in the barn came with me to volleyball.
At first, I felt like that same timid rider—hesitant and unsure. But I leaned into the work. I showed up early, stayed late, and committed myself to getting better. The confidence I had to build with horses helped me grow as a teammate and athlete. As I became more serious about volleyball, I fell in love with it. The discipline and mental toughness I’d learned from riding helped me push through challenges, grow into a leader, and eventually earn a spot on a Division 1 team.
Looking back, I am so thankful I started timidly. It taught me how to face fear with determination, grow through discomfort, and stay grounded in discipline. Riding horses with my mom gave me more than just memories—it gave me the tools I needed to chase big dreams. Whether it’s holding the reins or diving for a ball, I carry those lessons with me every single day."
Kennedy Wisdom Honored with UPHA Sandra Hall Memorial Scholarship
Kennedy began showing American Saddlebreds at the age of two, competing in lead line and quickly flourished as a young equestrian, going on to compete in various disciplines, including Equitation, Show Pleasure, Performance, Five-Gaited and Three-Gaited. She was the 2017 10-&-Under Walk-Trot Reserve World's Champion on her horse, Miraculous Odds and this was just the start to her extensive training experience and strong understanding of horse care and competition preparation.
Kennedy is also an avid learner and leader, serving as the President of her high school's Future Farmers of America (FFA) chapter after serving as Treasurer for two years and mentoring younger members.
She also led her school's Horse Judging Team, advancing through district and state-level competition. She also enjoys serving on the Callaway Kids Bank Board and assisting in the teaching of children during summer camps and community events about equine care, training and showing.
Kennedy also has an entrepreneurial spirit, founding and operating a small business selling specialty dip mixes, called Frenchie Dips.
As the Valedictorian of her high school graduating class and a dual enrollment student, earning her Associate's Degree in Leadership from William Woods University in 2024, Kennedy also has a heart for service. She has a bright future ahead of her!
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