Beyond Talent: Why Character Matters in College Rodeo Recruiting

A rodeo mom coaches her boys before their event at the Energy Capital Rodeo in Gillette, Wyoming.

What Coaches Really Look for in a Recruit

When it comes to getting recruited for college rodeo, most students focus on what happens inside the arena — but coaches are watching a lot more than your times, scores, or ride percentages. They’re paying attention to your attitude, your effort, and how you treat others. Across dozens of interviews with college rodeo coaches, one message stood out again and again: Character wins championships long before talent does.

At Bullfrog Recruiting, we’ve interviewed dozens of college rodeo coaches, and nearly every one of them said the same thing: they recruit people, not just athletes.

The Hidden Metric in College Rodeo Recruiting: Coachability & Work Ethic

“I want genuine, honest, hardworking kids who want to get better. Culture matters more than just talent.” — Seth Glause, University of Wyoming

Coaches build programs around students who show up early, stay late, and keep a good attitude — even when things don’t go their way. They know that rodeo is unpredictable. What matters most is how you respond when things fall apart.

Being “coachable” doesn’t mean being perfect. It means taking feedback, owning mistakes, and staying positive. Those habits are what separate a good athlete from a great recruit.

Team Culture Over Individual Titles

“We want kids who fit — who are respectful, dependable, and care about their teammates.” — Jim Boy Hash, Garden City CC

College rodeo might look like an individual sport on paper, but every coach knows success comes from team culture. The best athletes in the arena can become a liability if they create drama or refuse to support others.

When coaches talk about fit, they’re talking about integrity — someone who treats others well, works hard in the practice pen, and sets a standard for those around them.

Character in the Classroom

“Academics are a reflection of discipline. Coaches notice who takes school seriously.” — Cody Hollingsworth, Oklahoma State University

Strong grades and class attendance tell coaches a lot more than eligibility — they show that a student has priorities in order. Students who manage school, are more likely to be able to manage school, travel, and practice successfully and may also be able to handle the demands of college life.

That’s why academic accountability is one of the first filters coaches use when reviewing recruits.

How You Communicate Matters

“Students who reach out early and stay in touch — that’s who we remember.” — Stacey Elias-Martin, Panola College

Good communication builds trust before a coach ever sees you compete. A well-written email, a polite follow-up, or a thank-you message after a campus visit goes a long way. It doesn’t take much effort, but it makes a big impression.

Inside Tip from the Coaches

“We can teach skills — but we can’t teach heart.” — Rodeo Coach - Central Rocky Mountain Region

That single quote sums it up best. Rodeo coaches know that raw talent fades if it’s not supported by strong character. Heart, grit, humility, and leadership — those are the qualities that keep athletes in the arena and on the team.

Takeaway for Students & Parents

If you want to stand out in the recruiting process: 

✅ Keep your grades up — it shows responsibility. 

✅ Communicate clearly — it builds trust. 

✅ Be coachable — it earns respect. 

✅ Support others — it shows leadership.

When your character and performance align, you become the kind of recruit every coach wants.

Ready to Show Coaches Who You Are?

Create your free athlete profile at BullfrogRecruiting.com and make sure your bio, and videos highlight more than just stats — let coaches see your work ethic, sportsmanship, and story.

Because in college rodeo recruiting, who you are matters just as much as how you ride.