Wichita State Sophomore Finds Solace in Horses and Track

Kelli DeSpain's lifelong passion for equestrian and throwing events has helped her build bonds with teammates at college.

Published on Feb. 7, 2026

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Kelli DeSpain, a sophomore at Wichita State University, has found solace in her lifelong passions of equestrian and track and field. Growing up in Edmond, Oklahoma, DeSpain started riding horses at age 7 and went on to compete in shows, earning national rankings and scholarships. She also excelled in throwing events in high school, winning back-to-back Oklahoma state championships in discus. Now at Wichita State, DeSpain continues to compete in track and field while also keeping a horse, Josie, nearby to help combat homesickness. DeSpain's love of horses has also helped her bond with her teammates, like Karlynn Hornung, who share her passion for animals.

Why it matters

DeSpain's story highlights how pursuing multiple passions, like equestrian and track and field, can help student-athletes build strong connections and find balance during the transition to college. Her ability to maintain her equestrian hobby while thriving in her collegiate track and field career demonstrates the value of diverse interests and the mental health benefits they can provide.

The details

DeSpain was born into a family of horse riders and started taking lessons at age 7. She went on to compete in equestrian shows, placing in the top 10 nationally and earning around $15,000 in scholarships. In middle and high school, DeSpain also found success in track and field, winning back-to-back Oklahoma state championships in discus. Now at Wichita State, DeSpain keeps a Pony of America named Josie nearby to help combat homesickness, describing it as a way to 'turn her brain off' and find relaxation. DeSpain's love of horses has also helped her bond with teammates like Karlynn Hornung, who share her passion for animals.

  • DeSpain started taking horse-riding lessons at age 7.
  • DeSpain competed in equestrian shows in her youth, placing in the top 10 nationally and earning around $15,000 in scholarships.
  • DeSpain won back-to-back Oklahoma state championships in discus in high school.
  • DeSpain bought her horse Josie in August 2025 to keep near her at Wichita State.

The players

Kelli DeSpain

A sophomore at Wichita State University who has a lifelong passion for equestrian and track and field.

Karlynn Hornung

A junior at Wichita State University who is also a lover of horses and has become fast friends with DeSpain.

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What they’re saying

“Growing up, going to my grandparents' ranch, riding their horses and then eventually my dad and papa bought me a horse. His name was Freddy.”

— Kelli DeSpain (thesunflower.com)

“We ended up becoming fast friends. As soon as I learned that (she) had horses, I was like, 'Ooh yep, we're friends now.'… I think there's been a couple times where I've been like, 'Hey, Kelli, can we go see the horses? I just need to go see a horse; I miss my animals.'”

— Karlynn Hornung, Junior (thesunflower.com)

“She wants to make everybody feel good and wants to try to bring a smile to everybody's face. It's always a good day when Kelli's around.”

— Karlynn Hornung, Junior (thesunflower.com)

What’s next

DeSpain will continue to balance her passions for equestrian and track and field as she progresses in her collegiate athletic career at Wichita State.

The takeaway

DeSpain's story demonstrates how pursuing multiple interests, like equestrian and track and field, can help student-athletes find balance, build connections, and maintain their mental health during the transition to college.