Fresno State Athletics
Malmo Signs Six for Next Year
4/29/2009 12:00:00 AM | Equestrian
April 29, 2009
FRESNO, Calif. - Fresno State's equestrian team, fresh off an appearance in the 2009 Varsity Equestrian National Championships in Waco, Texas, started building toward the 2009-10 season with the addition of six talented newcomers.
Dr. Becky Malmo announced the signing of Lisa Beach, Christa Beezley, Lauren Carr, Kelley Holcomb, Marisa Mohn and Chelsea Rua to National Letters of Intent to enroll at Fresno State in the fall.
"We are pleased with the addition of these young ladies," Malmo said. "We have some very talented riders who will be a good fit for our team."
The Bulldogs were ranked among the Top 10 in the nation for the entire season and are the preeminent college equestrian program on the West Coast. Because of the tradition of the Fresno State program, Malmo receives hundreds of inquiries each year from riders interested in joining the team.
"There is a lot of interest in the Fresno State program and we are thankful for that," said Malmo. "Some of these young ladies actually contacted us and as we looked at their videos and contacted trainers and others in the sport, we got a good feel for them before we brought them to campus for a visit."
Beach is one of the top riders in the Sacramento area, attending Ponderosa High School. She has a lot of experience and will compete in the English team in Equitation on the Flat. She's a native of Cameron Park, Calif.
Beezley comes to Fresno State from Bend, Oregon and is expected to make an immediate impact in Western Horsemanship. She's a mature rider who has valuable experience in high-level horse shows.
Carr is from Phoenix, Arizona and is experienced in Equitation over Fences and on the Flat. She's on the McClay's Regional Finals list as one of the top riders in her area.
Holcomb is a Western rider, specializing in reining. She's a Valley native, from Madera, Calif., and has been around the Bulldog program for a couple years. Her mother, Wilma, is an internationally renowned horse judge.
Mohn joins the program after a successful junior career in Bothell, Wash. A talented rider, she's expected to compete on the English team in Equitation over Fences.
Rua, Elk Grove, Calif., will join the English team and most likely will compete in Fences. She brings a positive attitude and maturity to team.
"I'm very pleased with this group," said Malmo. "I've known a couple of these young ladies for a several years and watched them grow and develop and hoped someday they would ride for the Bulldogs."
Malmo expects to announce three more signings later this week.
The Bulldogs will hold their annual awards banquet on Sunday at Noon at Pardinis.
