University of Georgia Athletics
Photo by: 2019 Anthony Walsh
Morris Handler and Becker Destro Recognized as 2026 NCEA Distinguished Alumni
January 26, 2026 | Equestrian
WACO, Texas – Former University of Georgia equestrian team member Michelle Morris Handler and current Associate Head Coach for Jumping Seat Anna Becker Destro have been selected as 2026 National Collegiate Equestrian Association Distinguished Alumni, presented by LiveEQ, the association announced Monday.
These awards are presented to women who have made significant contributions in a professional field, after the completion of their degree at an NCEA member institution.
Morris Handler was chosen for the professional rider category, and Becker Destro was nominated by her alma mater Auburn University for the trainer/coach category.
Distinguished Alumni are recognized in nine categories including Business, Community Engagement, Education, Equine Industry (Trainer/Coach), Equine Industry (Medical/Pharmaceutical), Equine Industry (Professional Rider), Health Science, Media & Communication and Young Alumni. Distinguished Alumni are separated from their institution for at least six years prior to nomination and are recognized as distinguished in the following areas: academic success, athletic success, outstanding service contributions and post-graduate success.
Morris Handler competed for the University of Georgia from 2008 to 2012. During her time as a Bulldog, Morris Handler received multiple All-American honors and was named to the 2011-12 SEC Honor Roll. The 2010 National Individual Champion in Flat, she helped lead Georgia to its fifth national team title. In the same season, she was featured in Sports Illustrated's "Faces in the Crowd." Morris Handler graduated in 2012 with a degree in Telecommunications and Film Studies. After graduation, she returned to her hometown of Los Angeles to continue her work in the equine industry, founding The Clearing Farm, a premier training program on the West Coast that has produced championship riders at the country's most prestigious venues.
"Michelle has a reputation for developing athletes with integrity and horsemanship at the forefront," Georgia equestrian head coach Meghan Boenig said. "She has taken the lessons, discipline and competitive spirit she developed as a student-athlete and transformed them into an exceptional career as a professional rider, trainer and leader within the hunter/jumper community. She represents everything the NCEA seeks to honor — excellence, mentorship, dedication and the ability to elevate the sport long after collegiate competition ends."
Becker Destro was selected on behalf of Auburn University's equestrian team. She is a two-time Academic All-America Honorable Mention and found herself on the SEC Academic Honor Roll in 2010-2013. A member of Auburn's equestrian program from 2009 to 2013, Becker Destro helped lead the Tigers to national championship wins in 2011 and 2013, as well SEC titles in 2010 and 2011. In 2013, she graduated Cum Laude from Auburn with a degree in Marketing and received her master's degree in Sports Business from NYU in 2017. Becker Destro began her coaching career at Kansas State as a Team Assistant Coach in 2013 and remained there until 2015. In 2018, she became an Assistant Equestrian Coach at Georgia. After bringing home the Bulldogs' eighth national championship, Becker Destro was named the 2025 Assistant Coach of the Year for Jumping Seat and was promoted to Associate Head Coach in May of the same year.
"Anna has established herself as one of the most successful jumping seat coaches in the country," Auburn equestrian head coach Jessica Braswell said. "She was an integral part of Auburn's program as a student-athlete, being a consistent contributor in Flat competition. She was able to develop an understanding of what it takes to win championships as a student-athlete and brings her experience to coaching."
The award ceremony is scheduled to be held at the 2026 NCEA National Championship in Ocala, Florida, in April.
HOW TO FOLLOW GEORGIA EQUESTRIAN: For complete information on Georgia equestrian, follow the team on its social media channels via @UGAEquestrian on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.
JOIN OUR MANE DAWGS FUND: Mane Dawgs Fund contributions make a direct impact in supporting our student-athletes and equines at the Georgia Equestrian program. A gift to the Mane Dawgs fund helps provide resources such as equipment upgrades for our student and equine athletes, travel assistance, and enhance overall team experiences. Contributions to the Mane Dawgs provide benefits such as membership gifts and information about upcoming special events. Click here for more information.
These awards are presented to women who have made significant contributions in a professional field, after the completion of their degree at an NCEA member institution.
Morris Handler was chosen for the professional rider category, and Becker Destro was nominated by her alma mater Auburn University for the trainer/coach category.
Distinguished Alumni are recognized in nine categories including Business, Community Engagement, Education, Equine Industry (Trainer/Coach), Equine Industry (Medical/Pharmaceutical), Equine Industry (Professional Rider), Health Science, Media & Communication and Young Alumni. Distinguished Alumni are separated from their institution for at least six years prior to nomination and are recognized as distinguished in the following areas: academic success, athletic success, outstanding service contributions and post-graduate success.
Morris Handler competed for the University of Georgia from 2008 to 2012. During her time as a Bulldog, Morris Handler received multiple All-American honors and was named to the 2011-12 SEC Honor Roll. The 2010 National Individual Champion in Flat, she helped lead Georgia to its fifth national team title. In the same season, she was featured in Sports Illustrated's "Faces in the Crowd." Morris Handler graduated in 2012 with a degree in Telecommunications and Film Studies. After graduation, she returned to her hometown of Los Angeles to continue her work in the equine industry, founding The Clearing Farm, a premier training program on the West Coast that has produced championship riders at the country's most prestigious venues.
"Michelle has a reputation for developing athletes with integrity and horsemanship at the forefront," Georgia equestrian head coach Meghan Boenig said. "She has taken the lessons, discipline and competitive spirit she developed as a student-athlete and transformed them into an exceptional career as a professional rider, trainer and leader within the hunter/jumper community. She represents everything the NCEA seeks to honor — excellence, mentorship, dedication and the ability to elevate the sport long after collegiate competition ends."
Becker Destro was selected on behalf of Auburn University's equestrian team. She is a two-time Academic All-America Honorable Mention and found herself on the SEC Academic Honor Roll in 2010-2013. A member of Auburn's equestrian program from 2009 to 2013, Becker Destro helped lead the Tigers to national championship wins in 2011 and 2013, as well SEC titles in 2010 and 2011. In 2013, she graduated Cum Laude from Auburn with a degree in Marketing and received her master's degree in Sports Business from NYU in 2017. Becker Destro began her coaching career at Kansas State as a Team Assistant Coach in 2013 and remained there until 2015. In 2018, she became an Assistant Equestrian Coach at Georgia. After bringing home the Bulldogs' eighth national championship, Becker Destro was named the 2025 Assistant Coach of the Year for Jumping Seat and was promoted to Associate Head Coach in May of the same year.
"Anna has established herself as one of the most successful jumping seat coaches in the country," Auburn equestrian head coach Jessica Braswell said. "She was an integral part of Auburn's program as a student-athlete, being a consistent contributor in Flat competition. She was able to develop an understanding of what it takes to win championships as a student-athlete and brings her experience to coaching."
The award ceremony is scheduled to be held at the 2026 NCEA National Championship in Ocala, Florida, in April.
HOW TO FOLLOW GEORGIA EQUESTRIAN: For complete information on Georgia equestrian, follow the team on its social media channels via @UGAEquestrian on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.
JOIN OUR MANE DAWGS FUND: Mane Dawgs Fund contributions make a direct impact in supporting our student-athletes and equines at the Georgia Equestrian program. A gift to the Mane Dawgs fund helps provide resources such as equipment upgrades for our student and equine athletes, travel assistance, and enhance overall team experiences. Contributions to the Mane Dawgs provide benefits such as membership gifts and information about upcoming special events. Click here for more information.
Georgia Equestrian vs. Auburn Postgame Interview
Friday, November 21
Georgia Equestrian at Texas A&M Postgame Video Recap
Saturday, November 08
Georgia Equestrian vs. UC Davis Postgame Interview
Saturday, October 25
Georgia Equestrian vs. South Carolina Postgame Interview
Friday, October 24