• Home
  • Events
  • News
  • About Us
  • Future Cadet Form
  • Future Cadets
  • Cadet Life
  • We Develop Leaders
  • Visit the Corps
  • Current Cadets
  • Staff Directory
  • The Forward March: Corps Advancement Plan
  • Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
Texas A&M Corps of Cadets
Menu
Texas A&M Corps of Cadets

Header Right

  • Home
  • Future Cadets
    • Why The Corps
    • Academic Advantage
    • Scholarships
    • FAQ
    • Fightin’ Texas Aggie Band
    • Global Programs
  • Cadet Life
    • Corps of Cadets Athletic Training Room
    • Corps Outfits
    • Cadet Profiles
    • Corps Special Units
  • We Develop Leaders
    • Hollingsworth Center For Ethical Leadership
    • Military Programs
    • History
  • Current Cadets
    • Hollingsworth Center for Ethical Leadership
    • Important Links
  • About Us
    • Staff Directory
    • Future Cadet Form
  • Make An Impact
  • Visit The Corps
    • Programs
    • Events
    • Home Of The Corps

pmc

Olivia Baptiste ’25

October 17, 2024 by rnelson

Hometown: Parker, Colorado

Major: Biomedical Science

Outfit: Squadron 20

A member of Squadron 20, Olivia Baptiste ’25 currently serves as the Commanding Officer of Parsons Mounted Cavalry.

Off the Quad, Olivia volunteers with the Courtney Cares Equine Therapy Program and a local nursing home. In her free time, Olivia enjoys hiking, trail running with her dog, Nellie, fly fishing and baking.

“The Corps has blessed me with countless opportunities to better understand my gifts and how I can use them in service to others. Beyond that, I have gained valuable experience in observing others’ strengths and weaknesses and learning how to develop and grow alongside them,” Olivia said of her time in the Corps.

After graduation, Olivia plans to attend veterinary school and pursue a career as a rural mixed-practice veterinarian.

Back

Filed Under: 2025, Cadet Profiles Tagged With: Cadet Leadership, Off The Quad Involvement, Out Of State Cadets, Parsons Mounted Cavalry, pmc, Squadron 20, Texas A&M Corps of Cadets

Cadet Wins National Collegiate Rugby Championship

February 12, 2024 by rnelson

A blended photo of Genevieve Pace wearing her PMC, Rugby and Corps bravos uniforms

While membership in the Corps of Cadets entails a regimented lifestyle with a defined daily schedule, there is still room for students to pursue their interests through activities off the Quad. Home to over 1,300 student organizations and activities, the larger Texas A&M campus is filled with opportunities for cadets to further pursue their passions and prepare for their future goals. 

On the Quad, cadet Genevieve Pace ‘24 serves as the Second Group Commanding Officer and as a member of Parsons Mounted Cavalry. Her time outside of the arches is spent as a member of Texas A&M’s Women’s Rugby Club. Though she only began playing rugby three years ago, Pace quickly found herself a seasoned veteran on the team. 

“During my fish (freshman) year, I was interested in off the Quad involvement and had always wanted to do a contact sport. So, I reached out to the university rugby team’s recruiting officer. Today, I am the player who has been on the team the longest,” Pace explained. 

In the fall of her senior season, Pace decided to try out for the National Collegiate Rugby League’s Lonestar Conference All Star Team, which is comprised of the top players from Texas, Louisiana and Oklahoma. Members of this elite team are given the opportunity to compete against other regional conferences for a shot at the league’s national championship title.

“Out of the 40 girls that tried out, I was selected among 13 others for the team. I was nervous to compete against the top 300 collegiate rugby players in the nation. I did not believe in my own abilities or skills, or that I should be competing at the same level as these girls. I overcame this by talking with my teammates who reassured me that they believe in me,” Pace said.

“I set a personal goal during every single match that I would give 100% of my effort and come off the field as exhausted as possible so that there would be no regrets. The Corps has taught me that perseverance. It taught me that excellence is not perfection, but instead giving 100% effort towards what you want to achieve. No shame can come of giving all you can, especially towards a cause with other people, whether that be my buddies in the Corps or my teammates on the field,” Pace continued.

Pace’s perseverance and dedication to her team culminated the weekend of January 20th, where the Lonestar Conference was finally put to the test. Having never played together prior to the championship series, the team had to come together quickly to find success.    

“We played in three pool games versus the Ohio Valley, Upstate New York and South Atlantic conferences. We won all three, so we were able to advance straight to the semi-final round the next day. In the semi final match, we played the Midwest team and shut them out to win the match. In the final game, we played the Big 10 and were also able to shut them out to win the National Championship,” Pace said. 

“I felt so ecstatic after winning the championship. It was a surreal feeling to go from being unsure of my belonging at the tournament to winning the entire thing. I was so unbelievably proud of how the team so quickly meshed together. All of us were playing for one another, not just for individual glory, and it showed.”

Though time consuming, Pace says that this experience, coupled with her involvements in the Corps of Cadets, have been worthwhile. 

“It takes quite a lot of effort to balance the Corps, the rugby team and my academics. But I genuinely believe that if you love what you are doing, you make the time for it. There is no denying that it was difficult, but I have gained so much from both the Corps and rugby. Both have shaped me into the leader I am today. I say take a leap of faith and do something off the Quad because you never know how it may impact you and your future.”

The similarities between the Corps’ leadership development program and the game of rugby may not be immediately apparent. Pace says one specific core value is present everywhere she looks. 

“The Corps experience has especially emphasized selfless service. As one of our core values, I see it exhibited everywhere. Whether it be taking an extra sandbag from my buddy on a run or helping others tack up their horse at a Parsons Mounted Cavalry ride class, you can always do something for someone else. I apply this mentality to rugby too. I need to carry my burden and then some in order to be part of a winning team,” Pace said. 

Story By: Robin Nelson ’22

Back

Filed Under: News Tagged With: Air Force ROTC, Cadet Leadership, Corps of Cadets, Leadership, Out Of State Cadets, Parsons Mounted Cavalry, pmc, Texas A&M Corps of Cadets

Parsons Mounted Cavalry Announces Spring 2024 Appearance Schedule

January 12, 2024 by rnelson

BRYAN-COLLEGE STATION, Jan. 9, 2023 — Texas A&M University’s Parsons Mounted Cavalry will travel more than 1,500 miles across the state of Texas over the spring 2024 semester to participate in various parades, rodeos and other events.

As the nation’s oldest and largest collegiate mounted cavalry unit, Parsons Mounted Cavalry proudly represents Texas A&M and the Corps of Cadets around the state and nation. The special unit is composed exclusively of members of the Corps of Cadets, Texas A&M's premier leadership development program.

Parsons Mounted Cavalry utilizes horse training to teach cadets self-discipline, confidence, leadership and decision-making. With many cadets joining with no prior horsemanship experience, students learn to manage animals much larger than themselves in challenging conditions and develop many of the skills necessary for modern business and military leaders. There are currently 86 cadets and 70 horses and mules in the unit.

The spring 2024 semester will mark the most miles the unit has traveled in one season.

Parsons Mounted Cavalry will visit the following locations over the course of the spring semester:

Jan. 18 - Aggie Night at the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo

Jan. 27 - Citrus Parade, Mission, TX

Feb. 3 - Western Heritage Parade, San Antonio, TX

Feb. 17 - Washington’s Birthday Celebration, Laredo, TX

Feb. 23 and 24 - San Antonio Rodeo (PMC will serve as the color guard)

Feb. 24 - Houston Rodeo Parade

April 26 - Battle of Flowers Parade, San Antonio, TX

As Texas A&M’s premier leadership program, the Corps of Cadets provides students with a well-rounded college experience. Dating back to 1876, the Corps remains one of the largest uniformed bodies of students in the nation. Leveraging a military-based cultural model, the Corps produces some of our nation’s finest leaders in the public, private and military sectors. Membership in the Corps carries no military obligation, with over half of current cadets not pursuing a military commission. The Corps of Cadets is a four-year leadership training program that prepares cadets to lead at the community, state and national levels.

###
Media contact: Amy Thompson, Texas A&M University Corps of Cadets, 979-862-1922, [email protected].

Back

Filed Under: News Tagged With: Parsons Mounted Cavalry, pmc, Texas A&M Corps of Cadets

Josh Palinkas ’24

December 13, 2023 by rnelson

Josh Palinkas '24 smiles in his Cav uniform while riding a horse

Hometown: Fulshear, Texas

Major: Chemistry

Outfit: Company P-2

Josh Palinkas ’24 is currently a Platoon Leader and the Operations Officer for Company P-2. 

On the Quad, Josh is an active member of Parsons Mounted Cavalry and the Corps Marathon team.

Off the Quad, Josh serves as the External Relations Co-Chair for AggieTEACH, a program that provides teacher certification for those interested in becoming middle or high school educators. 

“The Corps has challenged me almost every day, but it’s also completely transformed me from the person that showed up for day one of FOW,” Josh said of his time in the Corps. 

After graduation, Josh plans to commission into the United States Navy, where he hopes to serve as a Submarine Warfare Officer. After his time in the military, Josh hopes to work as a high school physics or chemistry educator.

Back

Filed Under: 2024, Cadet Profiles Tagged With: Cadet Leadership, Company P-2, Navy/Marine ROTC, Off The Quad Involvement, P-2 Tridents, Parsons Mounted Cavalry, pmc

Genevieve Pace ’24

October 16, 2023 by rnelson

Hometown: Colorado Springs, CO

Major: Aerospace Engineering

Outfit: Squadron 21

Originally from Squadron 21, Genevieve Pace ’24 serves as the 2023-2024 Second Group Commander. 

On the Quad, Genevieve is a member of Parsons Mounted Cavalry. During her freshman year, Genevieve was a member of the National Champion Fish Drill Team. 

Off the Quad, Genevieve is a member of the Texas A&M Women’s Rugby Team, and actively volunteers at the Aggieland Humane Society. 

“The Corps has taught me how to be comfortable in the uncomfortable. Fish year it started with meeting my buddies and upperclassmen in my outfit who came from all walks of life- me as well being a first generation Aggie. As my Corps career continued, I was able to meet and develop myself through the people on the Fish Drill Team and Parsons Mounted Cavalry- cadets who come from their own backgrounds and own outfits. Currently in my senior year, I have the amazing opportunity to lead and command with cadets who are going into different walks of life once they graduate- future Airmen, Soldiers, Sailors, Marines, and private/civilian contractors. One of my favorite poems that highlights the Corps experience is Invictus. In the face of challenge, “my head is bloody, but unbowed.” Through the Corps experience and the challenges brought with it, I have found how unconquerable my soul really is. So once I leave this place, I have full confidence in my preparation to be a leader in this world,” Genevieve said of her time in the Corps. 

After graduation, Genevieve plans to commission into the United States Air Force, where she will serve as an Aircraft Maintenance Officer. 

Back

Filed Under: 2024, Cadet Profiles Tagged With: Air Force, Air Force ROTC, Cadet Leadership, FDT, Fish Drill Team, Off The Quad Involvement, Out Of State Cadets, Parsons Mounted Cavalry, pmc, Squadron 21, Squadron 21 Hellcats

  • You're on page 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • Next Page

Site Footer

  • Home
  • News
  • Future Cadets
    • Why The Corps
    • Academic Advantage
    • FAQ
    • Fightin’ Texas Aggie Band
  • Cadet Life
    • Outfits
    • Cadet Profiles
    • Special Units
    • Home Of The Corps
  • We Develop Leaders
    • Army ROTC
    • Air Force ROTC
    • Navy/Marine ROTC
  • Visit The Corps
    • Programs
    • Events
    • Corps Center
  • Current Cadets
  • About Us
    • Staff Directory
    • Future Cadet Form
    • Make An Impact
  • Texas A&M University
    • Accessibility
    • Privacy & Security
  • TAMF
  • CCA
  • Corps Branding
  • Home
  • News
  • Future Cadets
  • Cadet Life
  • We Develop Leaders
  • Visit The Corps
  • Current Cadets
  • About Us
  • Texas A&M University
  • TAMF
  • CCA
  • Corps Branding

Copyright 2025 • Texas A&M Corps of Cadets | The Keepers of the Spirit • All Rights Reserved. • Hosted by Division of Student Affairs Department of IT