A native of Far Hills, NJ, My Chimenti begins her junior season at Baylor. Chimenti, who was trained at Kent Place School, is a Jumping Seat competitor and was class winner in the Junior Hunters at the 2019 National Horse Show and qualified for the Medal and Maclay Finals in 2020. She was Grand Champion in the Junior Hunters at the 2020 National Horse Show.
At what age did you start competing in horse riding competitions?
My Chimenti: I started competing when I was 10 years old.
Why did you start riding competitively or under what circumstances did you start?
MC: I started riding after my Boy Scout troop took a trip to a local farm to earn a horse badge. At the farm, we were all given a folder with a bunch of paperwork, such as a chart of the body parts of a horse, the name of all the riding equipment you need to ride, and a voucher for a free riding lesson. I used my voucher for the lesson and immediately fell in love with the sport.
What is your earliest memory of riding?
MC: My earliest memory of horse riding is my first riding lesson, riding a little pony named Timmy. Even though I only ran around the arena on him, I had the time of my life.
Which current/former college or professional athlete do you admire and why?
MC: I really admire my former teammate at Baylor Equestrian Maddie Vorhies. Maddie was a great role model both in the arena and in the classroom. She always worked hard and succeeded in everything she did. Although I will miss her greatly next year, I am excited to see what she will accomplish in her career after Baylor.
Which family members have had the most influence on your life and why?
MC: My family includes my father Jim, my mother Mary, and my younger sister Sophia. My parents have had the biggest impact on my life by supporting me in my riding. Neither of them grew up with horses or knew much about them, but when I started riding they were eager to learn and have always been the most supportive in helping me achieve my goals.
What are your strengths in your discipline? What areas are you currently working on the most?
MC: I feel like I have a solid foundation, but am always looking for opportunities to gain more experience and confidence in the arena.
Why did you choose Baylor?
MC: When I first heard about Baylor, I hadn’t started competing yet. My babysitter at the time was in the process of applying to college, and after she was accepted, she decided to attend Baylor. Thanks to her, I always knew I wanted to check out the school when it was my turn to apply. Years later, when I knew I wanted to try riding at Division 1, I made plans to visit the school. After touring the campus and meeting the coaches, I knew immediately that was where I wanted to go.
What is your field of study and why did you choose this major?
MC: I am a double major in biology and Greek and Roman studies and I am on track to study medicine. I always knew I wanted to study something science-related in college and eventually go into medicine. I chose biology after having a great experience with it in high school. Although I always loved my science classes, I loved my history classes just as much. I decided to pursue this interest in a double major so that I could achieve my career goals while taking a variety of courses that I found exciting.
What do you like to do outside of riding and school?
MC: I really enjoy running. I’ve always enjoyed taking part in local races now and then, and over the last few years I’ve become more serious. I completed my first half marathon at the beginning of March and I’d like to run a full marathon (eventually).
What do most people perhaps not know about you?
MC: I love reading and have a bad habit of buying new books before I finish the ones I already have. Although I would consider myself a speed reader (I read over 50 books in 2023!), I have not yet reduced my ever-growing collection of unread books.
What would you most like to be known for as a Baylor student-athlete?
MC: I really want to be known for my work ethic. I have always admired others who work hard and it would be something I would be proud to be recognized for.
What advice would you give to a young girl who wants to be in your shoes one day?
MC: I would tell her to always take advantage of every opportunity and not take anything for granted.
