Emma Mandarino of the Georgia equestrian team has been named Standout Student-Athlete of the Month by the NCEA (National Collegiate Equestrian Association) for October, it was announced Tuesday.

 

The award highlights accomplishments of student-athletes outside of the ring, including philanthropy, outstanding attitude, and embodiment of an ideal teammate.

Mandarino, a junior from Bedminster, New Jersey, who was named captain at the beginning of the season, was recently inducted into the UGA Athletic Association Leadership Academy (LEAD). She helped in Hurricane Relief efforts by donating and working at clothing and food drives, as well as “Shop With A Bulldog” where she’s raised money to be able to take a local Athens child shopping for Christmas.

Mandarino is an accounting major with a 3.95 cumulative GPA and achieved four grades of 91 percent or higher throughout October.

Earlier this month, Mandarino was recognized by the Southeastern Conference for her accomplishments in the ring being named Equitation Over Fences Rider of the Month. She improved to 3-0 on the season in Equitation Over Fences and earned Most Outstanding Performance honors against then-No. 1 Texas A&M.

Mandarino and the top-ranked Georgia Bulldogs will face their third and final SEC opponent for the fall portion of the schedule on Friday, November 10 as the team travels to Auburn to face the third-ranked Tigers.