By Anna Kloman 

CHARLESTON, S.C. - Senior equestrian Caroline Berg has distinguished herself during her time at the College of Charleston. Prior to commencement, Berg was awarded the College of Charleston Alumni Medal and the Calhoun Allen Mays Junior Medal Award, honors given to the graduating senior with the highest GPA at the end of their junior year with all coursework completed at the College.

In addition to her academic excellence, the  Northville, Michigan native was also recognized with the Alexander Chambliss Connelly Award, presented to a senior who has made the most unselfish contributions to the student body and the College community. She was also awarded the J. Stewart Walker Cup in 2024, the highest honor a student-athlete can receive, recognizing an individual who has made an exceptional impact on the College of Charleston Athletic Program through their achievements in academics, leadership, and athletic performance.

"I'm so thankful to the Alumni Association for considering me for this award. These last few weeks have been full of moments that have been truly humbling and have allowed me to sit back and reflect on everything I have done in the last four years. It means so much to be recognized in this way," said Berg. "To have received these honors among so many gifted and talented students is something I still haven't fully wrapped my head around, but I am just so filled with gratitude for these moments."

In addition to her achievements in the classroom and around campus, Berg has made her mark in the ring as a standout rider on the Cougar equestrian team. Berg was a member of the program's first-ever NCEA team, helping Charleston to a national runner-up finish at the 2025 NCEA National Championship in Ocala, Florida.
 

"When I toured the College and met with the coaches, I knew it would be a wonderful place to ride. So, when I had the opportunity to commit, it just felt like the right choice. This team is driven, focused, and incredibly talented, and I feel so much pride when you can see it all come together."

Berg's final ride as a Cougar was a moment she will never forget, culminating with an 88 on the flat in the national finals, the Cougars' highest score of the day.

"All the emotion that was felt once all that pressure flew away after I delivered that ride was a special feeling," she said. "To end my career as a Charleston athlete with that score on that stage showed me how all the work this team has put in over the last four years was worth it, and I was so proud to make my team proud one last time."

Though her time competing has come to a close, Berg isn't going far after she crosses the Cistern. She plans to stay in Charleston where she will begin her role as the Neighborhood Relations Coordinator in the College of Charleston's Office of the Dean of Students while applying for nationally competitive awards along with graduate and law programs.