SIGNEE SPOTLIGHT: Kiersten Beckner

COLUMBIA, S.C. – South Carolina equestrian head coach Boo Major has announced the addition of Kiersten Beckner as a Horsemanship rider with the Gamecocks as a part of the 2019 signing class.
 
Background
Beckner joins Carolina from Leesburg, Ind., where she is currently a senior at Wawasee High School. Both of Beckner’s parents, Brad and Gina, are pilots. Beckner has one brother, Noah.
 
Equestrian Accomplishments
Beckner trained at Beckey’s Place/Showplace Farms with Beckey Schooler. She has won multiple all-around titles. Not only is she accomplished in Horsemanship and Showmanship, but also in Equitation. Beckner has been a four-time AQHA National Top-10 rider in Horsemanship and Equitation. She has been in the top-10 in Horsemanship and Equitation at Congress and Youth World. She is also the Indiana Quarter Horse Association high-point winner three times in three-straight years.
 
At Carolina
Once at South Carolina, Beckner will be a Horsemanship rider, training with assistant coach Ruth Sorrel. Beckner intends to major in psychology and has the career goal of being a child and adolescent psychiatry specialist.
 
Quotable
Head coach Boo Major
On Kiersten Beckner joining the program:
“Kiersten is a great, great kid. She sat with us some after she had completed our tour at Congress and it was great to get to know her a little better. It was fun for us to sit down and talk to her and get to know her a little more personally. We were able to get more information about her and her riding.”
 
On what Major sees from Beckner:
“I think she’s going to help us tremendously when she comes in. We’re looking forward to her having an immediate impact on our team. I think she’s going to be a real leader. She has a great personality and we’re looking forward to having her come in and be a part of our team next year.”
 
Kiersten Beckner
On choosing South Carolina:
“The university felt like home. The education fit was perfect for me and all the benefits were a plus. Go Gamecocks!”