Veteran rider newest head coach

Becky Malmo

By Chloë Tatro
Athletic Media Relations student-intern

Becky Malmo, a veteran of more than 25 years in the sport of equestrian, takes the reigns as head equestrian coach this year – the third in the program's history. She replaces former head coach Chuck Smallwood, who resigned in June.

"We are very pleased to have someone of Becky's experience join our staff," Scott Johnson, director of Athletics, said. "She brings a wealth of administrative experience, a wonderful educational background, great organizational skills and the competitive spirit of a world-class rider to the program. Becky has a great vision for the program and I believe will help our traditionally strong equestrian program grow and reach new heights."

Malmo's vast array of experience includes serving as Pierce College’s (Woodland Hills, Calif.) equestrian coach from 1983-84 and working at a large Southern California equine veterinary clinic assisting veterinarians for the equestrian events at the 1984 Olympics.

As a coach, Malmo recruited and selected riders for both English and Western divisions. She also taught vocational courses in veterinary science before transitioning into an administrative position where she managed and directed academic and vocational programs, plant maintenance and budget preparation, in conjunction with supervising both office and instructional staff members.

Malmo continued her administrative experience while serving in the Simi Valley Unified School District and was an assistant principal at Royal High School in Simi Valley, Calif., from 1999-2001.

"I am very excited about this opportunity,” Malmo said. "The Fresno State program has such great potential and I am looking forward to being a Bulldog and building a program that will be an integral part of the campus community and the Valley.”

The new coach is an active member of the American Paint Horse Association, the Central California Paint Horse Club, the American Quarter Horse Association and the California Association of Quarter Horse Exhibitors, and is the co-chair for the 2005 California State 4-H Horse Leadership conference.

Malmo has been a competitive English and Western rider since college. She recently placed in the top five and top 10 in four events at the 2004 World Championships Paint Horse Show in Fort Worth, Texas.

Malmo earned a bachelor’s degree in English from Cal Lutheran in1978, a master’s from Cal Lutheran in 1991, a Juris Doctorate from Ventura College of Law in 1996 and is currently enrolled in a Joint Doctoral Program in Educational Leadership at Fresno State and UC Davis.