Athlete of the week: Carli Hawkins
LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – Last week, Nebraska’s own Carli Hawkins competed on the biggest stage. The 23 year old qualified for the College Rodeo National Finals.
Hawkins qualified for the finals by placing top three in the Great Plains Region. The event she competed in was goat tying.
The finals was in Casper, Wyoming.
Hawkins began chasing her masters at UNL just last year after graduating from Oklahoma State. She spent her final season of eligibility in Lincoln, taking Nebraska rodeo to the national stage.
“To me, it’s the highest stage we can go. But, I had some rough draws out there.”
Hawkins ended her final season placing 21st in goat tying across all regions. She competed with 450+ students.
Hawkins was also the first Nebraskan to qualify for the finals in 3 years
While she’s only been a husker for one and final season, she said it was surreal to represent Nebraska on the college rodeo’s biggest stage.
“It was still an amazing experience to have, to go out there and represent UNL,” Hawkins said. “Me and my horse worked really hard to get out there.
She also credits the Nebraska community for bringing her here.
“I love how everyone is very Nebraska. Everybody is cheering for all the sports They’re all just big hearted people.”
Hawkins also was awarded the John J. smith Graduate program scholarship. She was recognized for her dedication to academics, excellence and the sport of rodeo.
