All photos provided by Colee Cox or her Instagram pageShopping
Meet American Hat Co. Ambassador Colee Cox
- Carly Davidson
- 07/31/2026
For Colee Cox, a single rodeo was all it took to change the trajectory of her life. What began as a trip to a local junior rodeo quickly turned into the start of a decorated rodeo career
“I am a first-generation rodeo athlete. I actually started out showing horses when I was young, and then I took my high-dollar show horse to the local junior rodeo one day and actually won the junior rodeo on him and won my first rodeo buckle,” she recalls. “I’ve never gone back to the show ring since. I came out from my barrel run and told my dad I had the need for speed.”
That one day sparked a passion that has carried Cox through an accomplished high school rodeo career, and now leads her into the next chapter as both a Tarleton State University student-athlete and an American Hat Company ambassador
A Career Worth Celebrating
As Cox reflects on her high school years, it’s difficult to narrow down the accomplishments she values most. She leaves Texas high school rodeo as a six-time national qualifier – a remarkable achievement considering the level of competition in one of the country’s toughest rodeo states
Her resume also includes being a two-time Junior World Finals 19 & Under Breakaway Champion, Texas High School Finals Rookie of the Year as a freshman, and most recently 2026 NHSRA Round 1 Goat Tying Champion
“I also won regions, I won state, and I won nationals in breakaway my eighth grade year,” she says. “It’s kind of the Texas three-peat, and there’s not very many people that have done that.”
More Than a Hat
For more than 100 years, American Hat Co. has been a cornerstone of the western industry, earning a reputation for exceptional craftsmanship, quality, and authenticity. Founded in 1915, the family-owned company has remained committed to preserving the traditions of the western lifestyle while producing handcrafted hats that are trusted by rodeo athletes, ranchers, and western enthusiasts across the country. Beyond its products, American Hat Co. is known for investing in the future of the industry by supporting competitors who exemplify the values of hard work, integrity, faith, and dedication both in and out of the arena.
Cox has represented American Hat Co. since eighth grade when she won the National Junior High Finals Rodeo in breakaway roping. For her, the partnership has always been about more than western apparel
“American Hat Co. represents a lot of the same morals that I have,” Cox says. “They’re very faith-based, and that’s something that’s really big to me. I love Jesus, and I love shining His light. When my sponsors back me up on that, it helps me out. That’s one of the biggest reasons I’m so proud to represent American Hat. They back me through all of it.”
For Cox, authenticity is essential to being a true ambassador
“You really just have to love the lifestyle,” she says. “My parents showed me the way, but being in the western industry is where my faith really grew, and that’s a huge part of who I am.”
Stay connected with Colee’s journey as she continues to make her mark on the rodeo world. Be sure to follow her on social media for the latest updates, behind-the-scenes action, and highlights from the arena!
Looking Ahead
For Cox, the future is filled with possibility. This fall, she begins a new chapter at Tarleton State University, where she’ll compete on the rodeo team while pursuing a degree in agricultural communications with a minor in business. Inside the arena, her goals are ambitious
“My number one goal is making the CNFR my freshman year,” she shares. “I’m also on my permit right now for pro rodeoing, so next summer I plan to go up north and see if I can do some good out on the pro road. That’s almost a bucket list item – it’s something I’ve looked forward to doing for so many years, and I’m finally old enough to do it.”
Outside the arena, she’s equally focused on building a career in western media
“I’m really going to focus on my schoolwork, and I’m hoping to gain some internships or be able to do some work-study,” she shares. “I am pursuing an ag communications degree and hope to be in western sports, either in TV production or broadcasting. Wherever the opportunity comes.”
With her faith, work ethic, and passion for the western lifestyle leading the way, Cox is ready to embrace every opportunity that lies ahead, all while proudly representing American Hat Co
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Last Updated on 07/31/2026 by Carly Davidson
