ITHACA, N.Y. – Nicolle Madonna Cerio has been appointed as head coach of the Cornell equestrian program it was announced today by Dr.
Nicki Moore, the Meakem & Smith Director of Athletics & Physical Education.
"We're excited to have someone of Nicolle's stature take over the Big Red equestrian program to continue and build upon its success," Moore said. "Her experience coaching riders of all skill levels, and especially her work with championship competitors, will serve our student-athletes well. We're thrilled to have her as part of the team."
Madonna brings more than two decades of experience as an equine professional, including extensive coaching success at the regional, zone and national levels. She has served as owner and head trainer of CNY EQ since 2010, where she has managed all aspects of horse training, sales, leasing and instruction while maintaining successful client relationships and business operations.
"Horses have encompassed every aspect of my life for as long as I can remember. They have afforded me the opportunity to meet so many people, foster amazing relationships and go so many places that I may never have otherwise been able to," Madonna said. "I am greatly looking forward to carrying on the team's legacy and to continue the positive trajectory with such a wonderful group of students, horses and staff."
From 2008-23, Madonna founded and coached the CNY EQ Interscholastic Equestrian Association team, leading middle and high school students to regional, zone and national titles. Her team won Zone 2 finals in 2010. She also served six years on the Zone 2 ethics committee, helping determine rulings on sportsmanship and competition issues.
Madonna's collegiate coaching experience includes founding and leading the LeMoyne College Intercollegiate Horse Shows Association team from 2013-17, where she coached riders from introductory through open levels and managed all team operations.
"We are confident that Nicolle's leadership, deep equestrian knowledge, and passion for horse and rider development will be a tremendous asset to our program," said Cornell Senior Associate Director of Athletics,
Matt Coats. "We are excited to have her join the Cornell Athletics family!"
Her professional background includes two years as a professional groom and rider for John Madden Sales, where she cared for top-level competition horses and received weekly instruction from Olympic gold medalist Beezie Madden. She also worked as an assistant trainer at Hunter Farms and holds an associate degree in Applied Science from Morrisville State College.
Recent client achievements under Madonna's guidance include the 2024 Zone 2 18-35 adult hunter finals championship and Zone 2 3-foot equitation finals victory, with the rider finishing third nationally. In 2023, her clients won championships at the Mid-Winter Circuit in Ocala, Fla., and multiple Syracuse Professional Horsemen's Association titles.
