Momentum behind UNL rodeo team continues to grow
By Kelly Knutson ’29
Rodeo is at the heart of Nebraska. Every year, towns come alive with arena lights, cheers and anticipation. Yet, many do not recognize the growing momentum behind the University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s rodeo team, a program rebuilding itself through grit, mentorship and donor-powered opportunities.
UNL student Carli Hawkins, who is studying for a master’s degree in nutrition and exercise science, has been one of the program’s standout competitors. Spending her undergraduate years at Oklahoma State University, she continued her collegiate rodeo career at UNL, and, in 2026, earned a spot in the goat tying competition at the College National Finals Rodeo in Casper, Wyoming. As UNL’s first qualifier in two years, her efforts helped put the spotlight on UNL rodeo.
Hawkins said she toured several universities before selecting UNL.
“Wyatt was very welcoming and made me feel like part of the family,” she said of head coach Wyatt Clark. “You can tell how passionate he is for the program and that he wants to continue to better it.”
Clark, who recently completed his third year as head coach, has been working to bring passion and consistency to the program. His early recruiting classes have certainly reflected that vision, with students strong academically, driven and eager to grow.
“Instead of talking to you like a number on the team, Wyatt shows you that he wants you to be there. He wants to help you get better,” said Kylee Ruff, a junior mechanical engineering student and rodeo team member. “He asks what he can do to help you.”
Coach Clark’s work to foster an uplifting culture has caught the attention of UNL Rodeo supporters and alumni. Many have been inspired to give back and support the program.
“Our donors don’t just fund us,” Ruff said. “They show up, they know our names, they know our horses, and they make it possible for us to compete and grow.”
Unlike many college sports, rodeo athletes are often responsible for expenses associated with horse care, transportation, competition entry fees and equipment. Donor-funded scholarships and program support help reduce those barriers, allowing students to pursue collegiate rodeo while earning a degree. Ruff and Hawkins, along with other team members, receive donor support through scholarships and transportation assistance and said those investments have helped make their collegiate rodeo careers possible while strengthening the program as a whole.
“One of our biggest, longtime supporters is the Richard P. Kimmel & Laurine Kimmel Charitable Foundation. We got to work at the Apple Jack Festival and meet all the people who make it possible for us,” Hawkins said.
Coach Clark’s close-knit team culture, combined with purposeful donor support, allowed students in the UNL rodeo program, like Hawkins and Ruff, to grow inside and outside of the arena. Hawkins took Ruff under her wing this year, helping her develop into a stronger team member.
“Carli helped me immensely. I tend to be a bit shy, and I’m glad I felt a spurt of confidence to ask her for help,” Ruff said.
Though she was the mentor, Hawkins believes her support of Ruff was mutually transformative, as the two grew together.
“It has been fun to watch her leaps and bounds of growth,” Hawkins said. “I have no doubt she’ll be qualifying for the College National Finals Rodeo herself next year.”
UNL’s new Rodeo & Equine Sports Complex, located on East Campus, gives team members like Hawkins and Ruff a place to board their horses and practice on site. A team meeting space that will foster a sense of community among student-athletes, allowing them to focus on rodeo and academics while continuing to strengthen the organization’s culture, is expected to be completed in the spring of 2027.
Additionally, Nebraska is hosting the National High School Finals Rodeo this week at the Sandhills Global Event Center in Lincoln, providing a unique opportunity to showcase UNL’s program. UNL rodeo team members are volunteering at the event, and prospective students from across the country will attend, further putting the spotlight on Lincoln, Nebraska, as one of the nation’s rodeo capitols.
Donors, your support inspires the next generation. Support the UNL Rodeo program today!
“Our donors don’t just fund us. They show up, they know our names, they know our horses, and they make it possible for us to compete and grow.”
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