Some people prefer team sports to share the efforts and accomplishments with teammates. Others choose an individual sport as they enjoy relying on themselves for success. Though Elisee Browchuk ’08 shares her passion for horses and riding with thousands of competitors, her success can only be attributed to her own dedication, hard work, and perseverance. Elisee is a nationally ranked rider in the United States Equestrian Federation.
Elisee attended The Chestnut Hill School from Kindergarten through 5th grade when her family moved to Connecticut. Though she was sad to leave a place she knew so well, she is currently attending boarding school near her home.
While at CHS, Elisee enjoyed her time playing team sports, particularly soccer. She recalls Athletics Director Eric Edwards’s words of encouragement regarding women and playing sports competitively. She says, “I remember him telling us that there was always a place for a woman in sports. He is a great coach and I always felt that he pushed me to work hard and do my best.”
At seven years old, Elisee joined The Dana Hall School Equine Program. Riding became her priority and after just one year in this program, her family was pulled aside by an instructor who acknowledged Elisee’s talent.
For Elisee, riding and her years spent at CHS have provided very similar and important life lessons. “CHS was such a small environment and looking back, I can appreciate the discipline and structure that the School provided. I think I am outgoing and enjoy a similar structure today. Both CHS and riding have given me the self-confidence I need to make important and sometimes challenging decisions.”
