From Stirrups to Stethoscopes: Anna Grace Ross's Dual Pursuit of Medicine and Equestrian Dreams
Anna Grace Ross, a proud alumna of LCA’s Class of 2021, has always been driven by a desire to excel in both academics and her passion for equestrian sports. Now a biology major and studio art minor at Sweet Briar College in Virginia, Anna Grace is entering her senior year with a clear vision for her future. She dreams of becoming a pediatric plastic surgeon, specializing in craniofacial surgery, while also pursuing her lifelong passion for competitive horseback riding.
Finding Her Path
From a young age, Anna Grace knew she wanted to enter the medical field. "I've always been great at science," she shares, "and I've always had a passion for art. Craniofacial surgery, especially cleft palate repair, feels like a perfect blend of both—it’s a type of art in itself." Currently on the pre-med track, Anna Grace spends five days a week volunteering and shadowing a NICU doctor, gaining the hands-on experience required for medical school.
But medicine isn’t her only passion. Anna Grace has been riding horses since she was seven years old, following in the footsteps of her older sister. What started as a hobby quickly turned into a competitive pursuit. "All throughout high school, I competed nationally," she says. "I had offers from UT Martin, Delaware State, and Sweet Briar, and I chose Sweet Briar because of their incredible equestrian program." Her dedication paid off when her team recently made it to nationals, an experience she describes as "a great blessing."
This summer, Anna Grace is in New Jersey, training horses for renowned equestrian Mark Leone, further honing her skills and making valuable connections in the professional riding world.
Influences and Inspirations
Anna Grace’s journey has been shaped by several key influences, including her senior project at LCA. For her project, she interviewed a professional Olympic equestrian who once owned her horse, a connection that deeply impacted her. "He competed with my horse in the Pan American Games, and after buying his horse, I got to know him personally," she recalls. "Hearing his story inspired me to pursue my dream of going pro in my sport. It encouraged me to network, reach out to trainers, and take the initiative."
Reflecting on her time at LCA, Anna Grace credits Mr. Davis, her BioMed teacher, as a major influence in her life. "He taught me to have confidence in myself and my abilities. He’s the reason I realized my love for biology," she says. "The teachers at LCA build you up—they push you to be better, to be independent, and to make decisions on your own. They don’t coddle you, and that’s the best preparation for college and life."
“If you know what you want, you’ve got to be willing to work for it. Go for it, and be all in—not just in school, but in your faith too.”
Balancing Faith, Academics, and Equestrian Pursuits
Balancing a rigorous pre-med schedule with competitive horseback riding is no small feat, but Anna Grace approaches it with determination and resilience. "Persistence is definitely the top skill I developed at LCA," she notes. "What I’m doing isn’t for the faint of heart—it’s an uphill battle. You have to be relentless in your pursuit of what you want and be willing to go after it."
Anna Grace’s faith plays a crucial role in her life and career aspirations. "My faith in Jesus has influenced everything," she says. "I’ve always felt a desire to help people, and I believe we are given gifts for a reason. Working in the neonatal unit, seeing these tiny babies survive—it’s a miracle. That’s God at work."
She reflects on the spiritual foundation she built at LCA, which has been invaluable in navigating the challenges of college. "Without that foundation, college can be really hard on your heart," she shares. "But LCA prepared me spiritually and personally, giving me the strength to face whatever comes my way."
Dreams for the Future
As Anna Grace prepares for her final year at Sweet Briar, she remains focused on her long-term goals: attending medical school, becoming a pediatric surgeon specializing in craniofacial surgery, and pursuing her dream of competing as a professional equestrian in the Grand Prix. "I never want to let go of my riding dream," she says with determination. "I want to have my own barn and continue competing at the highest level."
To current LCA students, Anna Grace offers this advice: "If you know what you want, you’ve got to be willing to work for it. Go for it, and be all in—not just in school, but in your faith too."
Anna Grace’s story is a testament to the power of passion, faith, and persistence. Her journey from LCA to Sweet Briar College is marked by a commitment to excellence in both academics and athletics, all while keeping her eyes fixed on her ultimate goals.
