Hamilton Community Schools has produced outstanding students in a wide variety of fields over the years, but this spring, two Hawkeyes accomplished something truly special together on the national stage.
Hamilton High School graduates Alyssa Jipping (Class of 2022) and Jenna Berghorst (Class of 2023) helped the University of South Carolina equestrian team capture the 2026 National Collegiate Equestrian Association (NCEA) National Championship — the program’s first national title since 2015.
For the two former Hawkeyes, the moment was the culmination of years of hard work, sacrifice, and dedication to a sport they both fell in love with at a young age.
“It was a very stressful but really fun day,” Alyssa said while reflecting on the championship victory over Texas A&M during a recent appearance on the H2Know Podcast. “When they announced that the re-ride wasn’t granted and we knew we had won in raw score, everyone was so emotional. It felt like all the hard work finally paid off.”
The championship was especially meaningful for Alyssa, who has seen the South Carolina program steadily climb back to national prominence during her four years with the Gamecocks. After arriving on campus when the team was outside the national top eight rankings, she helped South Carolina develop into SEC Champions and eventually national champions.
Jenna, who joined the program a year later, said the team culture and support system made the experience unforgettable.
“No matter what role you’re in, everyone has an important role on the team,” Jenna said. “That’s what makes our team culture so great.”
The story becomes even more remarkable considering the two athletes grew up together right here in Hamilton. From Sandyview Elementary to middle school, high school, and eventually traveling 13 hours away to South Carolina, the pair has shared nearly every step of their journey.
“We always joked growing up that we’d be future roommates,” Alyssa said with a laugh. “It’s crazy that it actually happened. Hamilton is such a tight-knit community, and I feel like that really stayed with us.”
Jenna agreed.
“I don’t think a lot of people can say they went to elementary school together, middle school together, high school together, and then moved across the country together,” she said. “I’m super grateful to have had Alyssa there through all of it.”
Both athletes credited Hamilton Community Schools staff members for helping support their dreams during high school while balancing academics and elite-level competition schedules that often required extended travel across the country.
Alyssa specifically highlighted the flexibility and support she received through virtual learning opportunities that allowed her to continue competing nationally while staying on track academically.
“The virtual option really allowed me to focus on my athletic career while still prioritizing academics,” Alyssa said. “Horse shows can last two weeks and they’re all over the country, so having that opportunity was huge for me.”
Both graduates also pointed to the positive relationships they built with Hamilton teachers like Mrs. Bierschbach and Mrs. Ekkens.
“Mrs. Ekkens is just so welcoming and joyful,” Alyssa said. “She’s someone you always remember.”
Jenna added that teachers like Mr. Pertner helped her stay caught up academically while traveling for competitions.
“He was always supportive and helped me get caught back up whenever I missed school,” Jenna said. “Having teachers that wanted to see you succeed definitely helped.”
Their success also reflects the strong agricultural and equestrian roots found throughout the Hamilton community. Alyssa, who participated in FFA opportunities and 4-H activities growing up, said she appreciates the growing support for agricultural education within Hamilton Community Schools.
Today, Hamilton Community Schools partners with the Critter Barn to offer West Michigan FFA opportunities for students in grades 7-12 beginning in the 2026-27 school year, continuing to create pathways for students with interests in agriculture and animal sciences.
For Hamilton Community Schools, Alyssa and Jenna’s story is another example of students being truly “Prepared for Purpose.”
From a small-town community in West Michigan to the top of collegiate equestrian, the two Hawkeyes continue to represent Hamilton with pride.
The full H2Know Podcast episode featuring Alyssa Jipping and Jenna Berghorst is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.
