CROOKSTON, Minn. - The University of Minnesota Crookston equestrian program announced the signing of Mazie Pini  (Grayslake, Ill./Mundelein H.S.) to a National Letter of Intent to begin competing for the program for the 2015-16 season. Pini is the first signee for this recruiting cycle for Head Coach Brooke Leininger.

Pini had 14 years experience combined in both hunt seat and western equestrian disciplines. She is a multi-ribbon winner in over 40 hunt seat events including recent first-place finishes in AA High Training Jumper events. In addition, Pini volunteers at Equestrian Connection, which provides therapeutic riding for people with disabilities. She is a member of the Mundelein H.S. Dean's List and Honor Roll.

Pini was born Dec. 11, 1996. She plans to major in Animal Science. She is the daughter of Andrew and Melissa Pini. Her brother John Pini plays football at St. Norbert College, while her other brother Andy plays lacrosse at St. Norbert.

All signees are contingent upon admission to UMC and compliance with NCAA rules, including certification by the NCAA Eligibility Center. Everyone released today has signed their National Letter of Intent prior to release of information.

For more information, visit the Golden Eagle Athletics website at www.goldeneaglesports.com.

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The University of Minnesota, Crookston is an NCAA Division II Institution and a member of the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC). The Golden Eagle Equestrian team is a member of the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association (IHSA).