College rodeo was not on Libby Alexander’s radar after her freshman year in high school. But the decision to try break away roping the following year changed her mind.
On Friday, the decision proved its worth as the Trigg County High School senior signed to continue rodeo in college at Tarleton State University in Stephenville, Texas.
High school rodeo is not a sanctioned KHSAA sport although it’s one of the fastest-growing collegiate sports in the South.
Alexander competes through the Kentucky High School Rodeo Association. She earned points in the 2022-23 season in breakaway roping, barrel racing, and pole bending. She said she plans to compete in barrel racing and breakaway in college.
She will be heading to one of the largest rodeo teams in the nation. Tarleton has nearly 150 student members and has won eight national championships and 29 individual championships since the program was formed in 1947.
Alexander is the second Trigg County student to sign to compete in collegiate rodeo in the past four years.
Bethany Stallons signed with Murray State out of high school and transferred to the University of West Alabama. She now competes in the International Professional Rodeo Association.
Alexander plans to study agriculture business in college with aspirations of a career in ag law.
