Maria Salazar Class: Junior Hometown: Portland, Ore. High School: Jesuit Height: 5-8 Position: Western Birthdate: 01/28/1991

MARIA SQUIRES SALAZAR...born January, 28, 1991 in Eugene, Ore...the daughter of Alberto and Molly Salazar...brings 13 years of riding experience to the UGA equestrian team...prefers all the disciplines...2010-11:Named winner of the Sportsmanship Award on the Western side at the team's post-season awards banquet...Compiled a 14-3 record in dual meets, all in Horsemanship events...posted MVP rides in two of three meets against Auburn...went undefeated in three rides at the Varsity National meet...2009-10: Rode exclusively in Horsemanship for the Bulldogs...compiled a 4-6 record that included MVP rides vs. Fresno State and Sacred Heart...2010 APHA & AQHA Hi-Point at the Reichert Celebration...2009 APHA World Show: World Champion Novice Western Riding, Third place Hunt Seat Equitation, Fifth place Showmanship, Sixth place Western Pleasure...multiple Top-5 and Top-10 placings 2006-2008...2005 APHA Reserve World Champion Hunter Under Saddle...considers placing first under all five judges to win Western Riding at the World Show as a career highlight thus far...also recruited for equestrian by TCU, Fresno State, and Baylor and considered attending the University of Oregon...chose UGA for its equestrian team, academics, atmosphere and pretty campus...intends on majoring in Business...entire family has played sports at the collegiate level...father is an accomplished and record-setting distance runner and marathoner...she once ran a fundraiser 5K alongside her dad and cycling champion Lance Armstrong...personal favorites include the Portland Trail Blazers, Oregon Ducks, Will Ferrell and her pet turtle, Little Foot.