Former national champion rider and successful IHSA coach returns to the Tigers' sidelines as Jessica Braswell elevates Auburn alum to key leadership role.
Becker, a 2017 Auburn graduate and member of the Tigers' 2016 SEC and National Championship team, moves into the full-time coaching position after four successful seasons leading Auburn's Intercollegiate Horse Shows Association (IHSA) program. She will oversee the program's Jumping Seat discipline while taking on additional responsibilities throughout the nationally recognized program.
The move reinforces Auburn's commitment to developing talent from within while preserving the championship culture that has made the Tigers one of collegiate equestrian's premier programs.
A Proven Leader Returns Home
Braswell said Becker's journey—from recruiting prospect to national champion student-athlete to successful coach—made her the ideal candidate for the position.
"I am so excited to announce that Caroline will be joining our coaching staff," Braswell said. "She is an outstanding coach and leader. She is hardworking, passionate about the horses, and will help develop our young women both in and out of the arena. Caroline is a proven winner with a love for Auburn."
The appointment reunites Becker with the coaches who helped shape her collegiate career and provides Auburn with another coach deeply familiar with the program's expectations and championship standards.
Championship Pedigree on and off the Arena
During her tenure as Auburn's IHSA coach, Becker compiled an impressive résumé that showcased both competitive success and athlete development.
Under her leadership, Auburn earned:
- Four consecutive Regional Reserve High Point Team finishes
- 11 High Point Team victories
- Seven Reserve High Point Team titles
- 20 regional qualifiers
- Six regional champions
- 10 Zone qualifiers
- One Zone champion
- A fifth-place national finish in Intermediate Fences by one of her riders
Those accomplishments established Becker as one of the rising coaching talents in collegiate equestrian and demonstrated her ability to develop riders capable of competing at the highest level.
Professional Experience Adds Valuable Perspective
Following her graduation from Auburn, Becker broadened her professional experience by working with the Minnesota Vikings in Guest and Premium Services before returning to the equine industry.
She later joined Oklahoma State as a graduate assistant, helping guide the Cowgirls to the 2021 Big 12 Championship while earning a Master of Business Administration with a concentration in Nonprofit Management and a Graduate Certificate in Business Sustainability.
Most recently, Becker worked with Make-A-Wish Eastern North Carolina, leading fundraising initiatives through special events, adding nonprofit leadership experience to her already diverse background.
Focused on Auburn's Championship Future
For Becker, returning to Auburn in an expanded coaching role represents both a professional milestone and an opportunity to contribute to one of the nation's elite equestrian programs.
She also emphasized her excitement about continuing relationships built during her time with Auburn's IHSA program and working alongside the Tigers' accomplished coaching staff.
Looking Ahead
With Becker's promotion, Auburn adds a coach whose experience spans championship competition, athlete development, fundraising, business management, and professional sports.
As the Tigers prepare for another SEC campaign, the addition of one of Auburn's own provides continuity, institutional knowledge, and proven coaching success—qualities the program hopes will translate into more conference titles and another national championship run.
For a program already synonymous with excellence, Becker's return represents another investment in sustaining Auburn's position among collegiate equestrian's elite.
No comments:
Post a Comment