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Understanding the Ideal Timeline to Launch Your College Rodeo Recruiting Journey


Youth rodeo contestants share smiles and stories with a rodeo mom under the bright blue sky at the Energy Capital Youth Rodeo in Gillette, WY 2024.
Youth rodeo contestants share smiles and stories with a rodeo mom under the bright blue sky at the Energy Capital Youth Rodeo in Gillette, WY 2024.

If you're waiting until your senior year to get serious about college rodeo recruiting, you're already behind.


Most high school rodeo athletes (and their parents) underestimate how early coaches have to begin scouting and how much groundwork needs to be laid before students are in senior year. Most coaches can't afford to be at every youth rodeo during the summer and winter months.


At Bullfrog Recruiting, we’ve mapped out the ideal recruiting timeline based on interviews with real college rodeo coaches and feedback from athletes who’ve gone through the process. Whether you’re in 8th grade or already a junior, here’s what you should know — and when you should take action.


Freshman Year: Build Your Foundation

  • Focus on grades — GPA matters for both admissions and scholarship eligibility

  • Start tracking your rodeo stats (times, scores, event history)

  • Get serious about time management, discipline, and goal setting

  • Begin shaping your social media presence — coaches will look

  • Parents should create a Bullfrog profile to get tall of their own questions answered


“We may not recruit freshmen, but we begin to notice them at nationals or state finals.”– Coach from Big Sky Region

No need to email coaches yet—but you should start preparing.


Sophomore Year: Start Building Awareness

  • Parents hand over their Bullfrog profile to their student and start organizing your info

  • Attend bigger rodeos and national events if possible

  • Begin filming highlight footage (even if it’s not final)

  • Start researching NIRA schools easily in the Bullfrog Portal

You don’t have to have it all figured out yet—but start get yourself more visibility. Coaches start making lists this year.


Junior Year: Go All In

  • Finalize and share your highlight reel; this should be updated as you progress through your season

  • Actively reach out to coaches—introduce yourself and ask thoughtful questions

  • Make sure your Bullfrog profile is complete and up to date

  • Visit campuses, attend college rodeos, and build relationships

  • Be active in the Bullfrog Portal

This is your most important recruiting year. Don’t let it slip by passively.


Senior Year: Finish Strong and Follow Through

  • Communicate consistently with interested coaches

  • Narrow your college list based on fit—not just name recognition

  • Watch deadlines for applications, scholarships, and eligibility documents

  • Use Bullfrog to stay on coaches’ radars even if you’re late to the game


“We don’t always have time to track people down. If they’re visible, they’re recruitable.” – Coach from Southwest Region

Even late seniors can get recruited—but effort matters more than ever.


We’ve created a simple downloadable guide to help you (and your parents) stay on track from freshman to senior year.


🎯 Don’t Miss Your Shot


Whether you're aiming for a full scholarship and the opportunity to rodeo while getting an education- or just want to compete at the next level, your recruiting journey starts now. The Bullfrog Recruiting Portal helps you stay organized, get visible, and build relationships with college coaches nationwide.


📍Build your free profile today at BullfrogRecruiting.com

 

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