Tarleton Texan Chasing a Dream: Paden Bray

Tarleton State University is one of the most well-known colleges for their rodeo team. Many pro rodeo athletes have pursued a degree here at the best kept secret in Texas.

One Tarleton Texan who has and is continuing to make a name for himself is two-time NFR qualifier team roping heeler Paden Bray. Bray is 23 years old, and calls Stephenville his home. He is sponsored by Classic Rope, Classic Equine, Martin Saddlery, Resistol, Purina, Rattler Rope, Kimes Ranch Jeans, and Brazos Valley Equine.

Bray was born to rope, he says he “came out swinging.” He started around the age of three, and under the guidance of his parents, he was inspired by them to pursue a rodeo career. Bray expressed “there was never a point in my life where I wanted to do anything different.”

Bray is currently working his way to earning a degree in business at Tarleton, he says he “balances his time between rodeo and school, but ultimately the dream is to be successful in rodeo with the degree as a fallback plan.” He proudly wears the Tarleton State University seal at every rodeo event, and says “the feeling is crazy but feels amazing to be able to represent such an incredible college and town it is in.”

With the new year and rodeo season kickstarted, Bray and I discussed what keeps him motivated to stay consistent and continue to become better. He says “The great thing about rodeo is there is no guarantee, but I always do my job and prove myself every single day. I cannot wait to get back out there and run with my partner. I am highly confident in what we can accomplish together as a team.”

The world of rodeo is constantly evolving and growing, and there is always an upcoming generation of athletes that have a dream to be a pro rodeo cowboy or cowgirl one day. Bray’s advice to those is “Always work hard. There is no secret to hard work. You should wake up every morning and set goals for yourself, work your tail off, and there is nothing that you cannot accomplish. If you give one hundred percent in whatever you want to do, you will be successful.”

Paden Bray is a forced to be reckoned with. There is nothing like his drive and determination. He has made a name for himself at Tarleton and in the world of pro rodeo. I have no doubt Bray will continue to grow and become bigger and better.