By Valwood School

HAHIRA — Valwood senior Lauren Gee signed her National Letter of Intent this week to continue her academic and equestrian career at Oklahoma State University.

At the age of 4, Gee began riding horses locally at JustAMere Farm, followed by Shiloh Stables. At age 8, she transitioned to Tampa, Florida, to train and compete nationally. Due to the tough training and travel required, she was homeschooled.

In 2020, she began training closer to home in Ocala, Florida, which allowed her to get back into traditional school. Attending Valwood was an easy choice for her and her family. Her mother, Stephanie Gee, said, “Valwood offers small class sizes, providing for personal relationships with teachers and administrators, with an appropriately rigorous curriculum.”

While juggling school and a complicated and unique training and competition schedule she managed to be named an AP Scholar with Distinction, attend a volunteer trip with her Spanish class to Central America, play varsity soccer where she is a captain, represent her class on homecoming court, and assist with sports photography.

“The teachers and administrators at Valwood have all been encouraging and supportive throughout my high school career,” said Lauren Gee. “They have all ensured I succeed in school and riding.”

Most recently, Lauren competed in Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Kentucky, for equitation finals this fall. Recent awards include: 2022 Reserve Champion Junior Hunter Finals and 2024 Champion National Collegiate Equestrian Association Hunt Seat Final.

Gee said she chose Oklahoma State because “The coaches at OSU are personable and the atmosphere feels like family. Everyone I met during my visit was happy and fun loving. They truly enjoyed being on the team and enjoyed where they were and what they were doing. I could see myself there. Coming from a small town like Valdosta, I appreciate the small town feel of Stillwater, OK. OSU also offers my chosen focus within my major (event management) which was important to me.”

Lauren is the daughter of doctors, Eric and Stephanie Gee. She has two older brothers who graduated from Valwood and are now attending Wofford College.