Atlanta, Kansas, cowgirl Baylee Barker said her relationship with American Hat Company stands out as one of the defining moments of her rodeo career. Barker said it all began in an unexpected way during the National High School Finals Rodeo.
“It was freshman year of nationals, I believe,” Barker said. “I was just walking around, and I always thought it would be cool to be sponsored by American, but I didn’t think much of it.”
After a brief conversation with a representative, American Hat Company surprised Barker by following her outside the event and asking, “Hey, do you want to be an ambassador?”
That moment marked the beginning of a rewarding partnership with the brand.
“I’ve been an ambassador for a couple of years now,” Barker said. “The best part is that we, as riders, put in the work to earn our sponsorship. We meet the requirements, and American gives back to us. Getting a free straw hat every year is a great perk, but it’s the loyalty that means the most to me. They treat us well, and it’s cool to see that, even as younger riders, we get the same kind of attention and support that the pro rodeo athletes get.
“It’s not just the product, but the people behind the brand,” she added. “The brand has supported me in my journey, and that’s something I value a lot.”
Barker said her journey into the rodeo world began at a young age. Growing up in Kansas, she quickly found her passion for the sport.
“I started rodeoing when I was probably three,” she said. “I did all the things that one to six age group can do—rode sheep, ran barrels, did goat tying. I rodeoed up until about 7 years old before I took a break to play junior high club volleyball.”
Barker said it was not long before rodeo found its way back into her life.
“When I was 10, one of my friends was roping, and I told my mom, ‘I kind of want to get on a horse and rope.’ Since then, I’ve stuck with it and been very accomplished,” she said.
A recent recruit to the Vernon College rodeo program, Barker said she has big goals on the horizon, with aspirations to succeed in both rodeo and her future career. She said she plans to study nursing and wants to pursue a career in the medical field, specifically as a neonatal intensive care unit nurse.
“I want to be a NICU nurse because I love babies and kids,” she said. “It’s rewarding to be able to send a NICU baby home.”
In addition to her rodeo and academic pursuits, Barker said she is also focused on making the most of her time at college. She aims to attend the College National Finals Rodeo with winning in mind.
“I look forward to making it to the college finals and winning before I’m done with college. It’s something I’ve always wanted to do, and I believe I have the work ethic to make it happen,” she said.
Despite the challenges of balancing rodeo with her academic goals, Baylee remains dedicated to both.
“I want to give my best effort in both areas. If I can, I’ll continue to compete in pro rodeos after college, but I’ll have to see how it all fits into my career path,” she added.
Barker also reflected on the pride she has in representing Kansas in the rodeo world.
“Kansas doesn’t get as much recognition as other states in rodeo, but it’s cool to represent it,” she said. “It’s been a huge part of my journey, and I wouldn’t be where I am today without the support of my family, especially my parents and my Uncle Dave.”
No matter where her journey takes her—whether in the rodeo arena or the hospital—Barker will continue to proudly represent Kansas and American Hat Company.
