Bridging the Gap: The Smarty Rodeo Collegiate Team

For years, the Smarty Rodeo Young Pro Program has equipped high school rodeo athletes with the tools, connections, and knowledge to thrive inside and outside the arena. These young athletes attend a faith-based camp, receiving hands-on guidance from industry leaders, including World Champions, Performance Enhancement Coaches, and TV personalities. This experience not only strengthens their skills but also instills values and a winning mindset. 

Recognizing a gap between high school rodeo and the professional ranks, we launched the Smarty Rodeo Collegiate Team in Fall 2024. This program provides structured mentorship, helping college athletes elevate their careers while maintaining academic and personal growth. 

A New Era of Support for Collegiate Athletes 

The Smarty Rodeo Collegiate Team is more than just a sponsorship—it’s a commitment to the future of rodeo. Selected through nominations from collegiate coaches, team members exemplify leadership, dedication, and work ethic, representing both Smarty Rodeo and their schools with professionalism. 

Our inaugural team includes athletes from diverse backgrounds, reflecting Smarty Rodeo’s growing impact on collegiate rodeo. Currently, our team members represent 15 different rodeo teams, with three members being Young Pro Alumni who have been with our program from the beginning. Looking ahead, our goal for the next team is to have representatives from each region, ensuring we cover more ground and provide even greater support for collegiate rodeo athletes. 

Smarty Rodeo is an official National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association (NIRA) sponsor and collaborates with Rodeo Life for comprehensive collegiate coverage in their digital and print magazine, enhancing our support for college athletes. Collegiate rodeo holds a unique place in the sport’s legacy, with many family traditions beginning at this level. For young athletes, college rodeo offers a sense of community and stability during a pivotal stage of their lives. Smarty Rodeo’s partnership with NIRA aims to support students’ personal and professional growth. 

NIRA Commissioner Jim Dewey Brown stated, “The NIRA is pleased to have Smarty Rodeo partner with us in our mission to foster and develop rodeo at the collegiate level. Smarty Rodeo’s innovative products provide athletes and coaches valuable tools to refine their skills. We look forward to a long-lasting partnership that will continue cultivating champions.” 

Providing Resources for Success & Expanding Opportunities for Collegiate Athletes 

A key aspect of the Collegiate Team is monthly video calls with industry professionals, covering topics such as mental performance strategies, branding and sponsorship education, financial literacy, time management, and leadership development. These sessions provide invaluable insights, helping athletes navigate their careers with confidence. 

Our commitment to nurturing talent extends beyond the youth programs. The Smarty Rodeo Collegiate Team offers a platform for young rodeo athletes to transition smoothly into a professional environment. By fostering relationships and providing mentorship from seasoned rodeo athletes and industry professionals, we aim to bridge the gap between aspiring young rodeo athletes and western industry leaders, ensuring a continuous development pathway for future champions. 

Chancey Wright (ETAMU) shares, “I appreciate the opportunities Smarty Rodeo has created for rodeo athletes. The resources and mentorship we receive are helping me develop the skills I need to succeed at the next level.” 

The Smarty Rodeo Collegiate Team is a one-year commitment requiring participation in monthly calls and promotions. Students will represent both Heel-O-Matic and Smarty Training, as well as the Smarty Supply Co. brands. Members must maintain a 3.0 GPA and be enrolled in a college, university, junior college, or trade school during the 2025 Spring and Fall semesters. 

Building Leaders for the Future 

At Smarty Rodeo, we believe success extends beyond competition—it’s about leadership, integrity, and growth. Our collegiate athletes are encouraged to be role models for other athletes, represent their schools with professionalism, and contribute to the sport’s development. 

Cameron Haumea (SRU) shares, “I love being a part of a group of individuals who want to better themselves. Being surrounded by like-minded athletes pushes me to grow, both in and out of the arena.” 

Transitioning from high school to college can be challenging, especially for rodeo athletes balancing school, competition, and personal responsibilities. The Smarty Rodeo Collegiate Team offers a built-in support system, ensuring they navigate this critical stage successfully. 

A Commitment to the Next Generation 

Our mission is clear: to bridge the gap between youth and professional rodeo by providing opportunities for growth, education, and mentorship. With the addition of the collegiate team, our support extends beyond high school, reinforcing the values that will carry these athletes into their professional careers. 

If you’re looking to be part of something bigger—to join a team shaping the future of rodeo—the Smarty Rodeo Collegiate Team is where it begins. Applications open in the summer of 2025—stay connected with Smarty Rodeo on social media for updates!