I have vivid memories from my time in college. Some from the classes that I took, but mostly from the family I made. A team that was there for me during the ups of qualifying for the CNFR and even the first goat tying run I made after I had a major back surgery.

Choosing the right college rodeo program can feel like trying to rope a calf in the dark — there are a lot of moving parts, and it’s easy to focus on the wrong target. Sure, every student-athlete wants a great coach, a strong team, and solid scholarship support. But when you talk to college rodeo coaches, one message stands out: the best program for you is the one that fits who you are — not just who gives you the most money.