🎉 Create an Impactful Highlight Reel for College Rodeo Recruiting!
- Frog
- Sep 4
- 3 min read
Updated: Sep 17
Once your recruiting profile is built, the next step is to show coaches what you can do. Your profile tells your story — but your highlight reel proves it. Think of it this way: if a coach only had 60 seconds to see you compete, what would they see? A well-made recruiting video can be the difference between getting overlooked and getting recruited.
🎯 What Your Highlight Reel Should Do
Showcase your skills and technique.
Demonstrate consistency and improvement.
Give coaches a sense of your style, work ethic, and potential.
Provide an inside peek into who you are.
This isn’t about hype or fancy edits. Coaches want clarity and confidence — not entertainment.
📹 What to Include in Your Reel
Intro Screen (10–15 sec max): Your name, hometown, school, graduation year, and events.
3–6 Clips from Competitions: Choose recent, clean runs or rides from sanctioned events.
Event Variety: If you compete in multiple events, include both timed and rough stock.
Practice Footage (Optional): To highlight dedication, horsemanship, or technique.
Stats or Announcer Call-outs: Add scores or times when possible.
Pro Tip: Put your best clips first. Coaches may not watch to the end.
🎥 Filming Tips (Even on a Phone)
Film horizontally (landscape).
Keep the camera steady — use a tripod if possible.
Zoom out just enough to capture the full run or ride.
Avoid distractions (bad lighting, loud background noise).
Good video doesn’t require expensive equipment — it requires intentionality!
🚫 Common Mistakes to Avoid
Over-editing or flashy filters.
Music that drowns out natural audio.
Long intro montages.
Clips that cut off part of the run or ride.
Forgetting basics (name, grad year, event info).
🧠 What Coaches Say
“I don’t need a hype video — I need to see how they compete in real-time.” – Coach, Central Plains Region
“I’m not just looking for someone who can win. I’m looking for someone who’s improving, coachable, and hungry.” – Coach, Southern Region
📂 Where to Share It
Upload your reel to YouTube (public or unlisted) and link it directly in your Bullfrog Recruiting profile. That way:
Coaches can view it anytime alongside your academic and rodeo details.
You stay searchable even when you’re not posting on social.
You can easily update it as you improve.
🔑 Final Word: Start Now
Don’t wait until your senior year or until you win a big check. Start with what you have, get feedback, and keep improving your reel. Your recruiting video doesn’t have to be perfect — it just has to be real.
🌟 Why Your Highlight Reel Matters
Creating a highlight reel is more than just a task; it's an opportunity! This is your moment to shine. Coaches are looking for talent, but they also want to see your personality. They want to know if you're a good fit for their team.
🎬 The Power of Storytelling
Your highlight reel is a storytelling tool. It captures your journey, your struggles, and your triumphs. Each clip tells a part of your story. Make sure it reflects who you are as an athlete and as a person.
📈 Continuous Improvement
As you grow and improve, so should your highlight reel! Regularly update it with new clips that showcase your latest achievements. This not only keeps your profile fresh but also shows coaches that you are committed to your growth.
🤝 Building Connections
Your highlight reel can open doors! Coaches often share videos with their teams or other coaches. A well-crafted reel can spark conversations and lead to opportunities you might not have considered.
🎉 Celebrate Your Achievements
Every time you update your highlight reel, take a moment to celebrate your progress! Each clip represents hours of hard work and dedication. Recognizing your achievements can boost your confidence and motivation.
🌍 Join the Community
By sharing your highlight reel, you become part of a larger community. You connect with other athletes, coaches, and supporters. This network can provide valuable insights and encouragement along your journey.
🚀 Take Action Today!
Don't let fear hold you back! Start creating your highlight reel today. Remember, it doesn’t have to be perfect. Just be yourself, and let your passion shine through.
Your journey in college rodeo is just beginning, and your highlight reel is the first step!
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