EQ Alums Named to NCEA Distinguished Alumni Class of 2026
1/26/2026 3:00:00 PM | Equestrian
WACO, Texas – Former Baylor equestrian riders Sam Howell and Dr. Meghan Murphy were two of nine former collegiate equestrians to earn the 2026 NCEA Distinguished Alumni Award, announced by the National Collegiate Equestrian Association.
These awards are presented to women who, after the completion of their undergraduate degree at an NCEA institution, have made significant contributions in a professional field following their time as student-athletes.
Distinguished alumni are recognized in nine categories, including Business, Community Engagement, Education, Equine Industry (Rider/Trainer/Coach), Equine Industry (Medical/Pharmaceutical), Equine Industry (Professional Rider), Health Science/Services, Media & Communication and Young Alumni.
Howell was selected as the Community Engagement recipient, recognizing her success in the front lines of national security and advising commissions. Howell was on the squad from 2015-2019, earning four MOP awards in Flat during her tenure as a Bear. She was also named an Academic All-American while at BU.
Dr. Murphy was selected as the Equine Industry (Medical) recipient, recognizing her success within the equine veterinary industry. Murphy currently serves as the Team Veterinarian for Texas A&M's Equestrian team. Murphy competed with Baylor in Horsemanship from 2008-2012, contributing to the Bears' 2010 Big 12 Championship.
Each NCEA team had the opportunity to nominate one alumni in each category. The nominations were reviewed by a selection committee and shared with the NCEA Board of Directors.
The 2026 Distinguished Alumni will be recognized during the NCEA National Championship in Ocala, Fla., April 15-18. More details about the time will be announced at a later date.
2026 NCEA Distinguished Alumni Awards
Business: Jada Taylor (TCU)
Community Engagement: Sam Howell (Baylor)
Education: Grace Sanders (Auburn)
Equine Industry (Coach): Anna Becker (Auburn)
Equine Industry (Medical): Dr. Meghan Murphy (Baylor)
Equine Industry (Professional Rider): Michelle Morris Handler (Georgia)
Health Science: Dr. Allie Moore (Auburn)
Media & Communication: Mykaela Waterfield (UT Martin)
Young Alumni: Madyson Buchanan (TCU)
For more information on Baylor Equestrian, follow @BaylorEQ on X, Instagram and Facebook.
These awards are presented to women who, after the completion of their undergraduate degree at an NCEA institution, have made significant contributions in a professional field following their time as student-athletes.
Distinguished alumni are recognized in nine categories, including Business, Community Engagement, Education, Equine Industry (Rider/Trainer/Coach), Equine Industry (Medical/Pharmaceutical), Equine Industry (Professional Rider), Health Science/Services, Media & Communication and Young Alumni.
Howell was selected as the Community Engagement recipient, recognizing her success in the front lines of national security and advising commissions. Howell was on the squad from 2015-2019, earning four MOP awards in Flat during her tenure as a Bear. She was also named an Academic All-American while at BU.
Dr. Murphy was selected as the Equine Industry (Medical) recipient, recognizing her success within the equine veterinary industry. Murphy currently serves as the Team Veterinarian for Texas A&M's Equestrian team. Murphy competed with Baylor in Horsemanship from 2008-2012, contributing to the Bears' 2010 Big 12 Championship.
Each NCEA team had the opportunity to nominate one alumni in each category. The nominations were reviewed by a selection committee and shared with the NCEA Board of Directors.
The 2026 Distinguished Alumni will be recognized during the NCEA National Championship in Ocala, Fla., April 15-18. More details about the time will be announced at a later date.
2026 NCEA Distinguished Alumni Awards
Business: Jada Taylor (TCU)
Community Engagement: Sam Howell (Baylor)
Education: Grace Sanders (Auburn)
Equine Industry (Coach): Anna Becker (Auburn)
Equine Industry (Medical): Dr. Meghan Murphy (Baylor)
Equine Industry (Professional Rider): Michelle Morris Handler (Georgia)
Health Science: Dr. Allie Moore (Auburn)
Media & Communication: Mykaela Waterfield (UT Martin)
Young Alumni: Madyson Buchanan (TCU)
For more information on Baylor Equestrian, follow @BaylorEQ on X, Instagram and Facebook.
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