Balancing School & College Rodeo: Time Management Tips

The bucking chutes sit empty before a round at the College National Finals Rodeo.

How College Rodeo Athletes Can Stay on Top of It All

As a Senior in high school, things are about to change for you.  No longer are the days of mom and dad waking you up, doing chores for you or making sure things are done for you.  It is up to you, now. Balancing classes, practice, travel, and competition weekends isn’t easy — but every successful college rodeo athlete will tell you it can be done. It takes planning, self-discipline, and the same grit you bring to the arena.

Coaches across the country say one of the biggest adjustments new student-athletes face isn’t just the competition level — it’s the time management that comes with being both a college student and a college rodeo competitor.

At Bullfrog Recruiting Solutions, we hear this over and over: your ability to stay organized and consistent can make or break your season.

1. Treat School Like a Second Event

In college rodeo, your classroom performance matters just as much as your arena performance.

“If you can’t handle your classes, you can’t handle college rodeo.” — Jimmy Nicholas, Mitchell Tech

Coaches look for athletes who take academics seriously. Keep track of due dates, stay ahead on assignments before you hit the road, and don’t be afraid to communicate with your professors about travel schedules.

2. Plan Your Week Before It Starts

The most successful student-athletes plan their week before Monday morning hits. Write down: 

✅ Class and practice schedules 

✅ Rodeo travel days 

✅ Study blocks and downtime

Use a planner, Google Calendar, or the notes app on your phone — whatever keeps you consistent. The key is to avoid surprises.

“Handling things in a timely fashion is important. When students don’t plan ahead, that’s when they miss the first rodeo.” — Coach, Mitchell Tech

3. Protect Your Priorities

There’s always something pulling for your attention — friends, social events, workouts, travel, recovery. Learn to say no when you need to, and make space for the things that move you toward your goals: your degree and your college rodeo career.

Rodeo teaches independence, but college tests consistency and determination. Set boundaries that protect your sleep, your study time, and your focus.

4. Communicate Early and Often

Professors and coaches appreciate students who communicate. If you’ll be gone for a rodeo, have a conversation or even send an email in advance. If you’re struggling in a class, speak up early. Communication is a sign of maturity — and it earns respect both in the classroom and in the arena.

5. Take Care of Your Mental Game

College rodeo can be a grind. Long drives, early mornings, late-night studying — it all adds up. Don’t ignore your mental health or burnout signals. Schedule rest, lean on teammates, and keep perspective.

The best athletes know when to reset and when to push harder. Balance doesn’t mean doing everything perfectly; it means managing your energy where it matters most. Consider this your first experience with figuring out that “Work-Life Balance.”

Final Tip: Build Habits That Travel With You

What you practice now will carry into your career and your life. Balancing college classes and college rodeo isn’t just about surviving — it’s about learning discipline, leadership, and personal accountability.

“Academics are a reflection of discipline. Coaches notice who takes school seriously.” — Rodeo Coach

Ready to Take Control of Your Season?

Stay organized, stay consistent, and let your habits do the hard work for you.  Create or update your Bullfrog Recruiting profile at BullfrogRecruiting.com — and show coaches that you can handle the full college rodeo lifestyle.