Gillette College Rodeo Signs Sophie Hruby

Gillette College Rodeo has signed another dynamic athlete for the future in Sophie Hruby of Hemingford, Nebraska. A proven competitor across multiple events with success on some of rodeo's biggest stages, Hruby brings talent, grit, and versatility to an already strong recruiting class.

Hruby, who attends Western Christian Academy, has built an impressive high school rodeo career. She is a three-time NHSFR qualifier for Team South Dakota and earned Reserve World Champion honors in goat tying at the 2025 National High School Finals Rodeo. Her list of accomplishments also includes qualifying for the 2025 Patriot Finals in the 19U breakaway, the 2025 Kimes Million Dollar Breakaway, four appearances at Vegas Toughest, and multiple short-go qualifications at the NLBFR.

She competes in barrels, poles, goat tying, breakaway roping, team roping, and reined cow horse, giving Gillette College another well-rounded athlete with the ability to contribute in a variety of ways.

In the classroom, Hruby has been just as impressive. She carries a 3.9 GPA, has earned honor roll recognition, and plans to major in business at Gillette College.

"We're really excited about Sophie joining our program," said Gillette College Head Coach Casey Rae Sellers. "She's a proven competitor with a really diverse skill set, and I think what stands out most is how driven she is to keep getting better. She's competed at a high level, she knows what it takes, and she'll be a great fit with the culture and competitiveness of this team."

Hruby said Gillette College felt like the right fit because of both the atmosphere and the opportunity to grow.

"I chose Gillette because of the amazing facility and smaller team size," Hruby said. "I feel like the team is very competitive and full of people that will make me better. I think rodeoing at Gillette will help take me to the next level in my rodeo career."

The daughter of Tim and Stephanie Hruby, Sophie was introduced to rodeo by her dad and has turned that early influence into a decorated career at the high school level.

With her success in and out of the arena, Hruby adds another exciting piece to the future of Gillette College Rodeo!