Multi-talented Kibbe back home with WC rodeo

If you attend the upcoming Weatherford College Lone Star Region Rodeo Oct. 10-11, you might hear Hadley Kibbe singing the national anthem. But that's just the tip of the iceberg as far as her talents go.

She can rodeo, she can coach rodeo, she can photograph rodeo - and a lot of other things - and she can even read a bedtime story to her son once the rodeo is over for the day.

And it could even be a children's book she wrote.

"My life is a mix of God-given passions and opportunities to serve others," Kibbe said. "Coaching is what I've always felt called to do."

Kibbe joined the Weatherford College rodeo coaching staff in 2024. This was after a standout college career competing that included goat tying and breakaway roping for WC, Tarleton State University and Sul Ross State University. She was a top-five finisher in the Southwest Region of the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association in three seasons and won one event title with four reserve championships.

Kibbe was a six-time NIRA Scholar All-American, served as an event director for four years and was the Southwest Region's Walt Garrison Award nominee in 2022 for loyalty, determination, integrity and leadership.

"Being back at Weatherford College is truly the greatest honor. Every day I step onto this campus, I'm reminded of the privilege it is to guide, encourage, and pour into these athletes," she said. "You were created on purpose, with purpose, and for a purpose. When we serve with heart and a whole lot of faith, the impact ripples far beyond what we can see."

Kibbe is especially thrilled to be working alongside WC head coach Johnny Emmons, her mentor from a few years ago.

"It truly is a dream come true to step back into a place, and alongside a coach that shaped so much of my own rodeo career and college experience," she said. "Weatherford College is special. The people, the support, the atmosphere, the energy - it's a place where you feel both welcomed and wanted." 

Kibbe recalled a time when she was a freshman and told Emmons she wanted to be a coach. Now, she said she finds it hard to believe that she's working right alongside him and learning more each day, crediting it to hard work and answered prayers.

She added that her time as a student helps her now as a coach.

"I know the history of WC, and I also know what's expected of our athletes in the classroom, on campus, and in the arena," she said. "Having once been in their shoes, I hope I can offer them not only support, but true understanding both inside and out of the arena."

Kibbe grew up in Meridian. Her family knew Emmons and was aware of the success he's had at WC with appearances at the College National Finals Rodeo every season since 2005, including a women's national team championship in 2022. 

"Hadley is an awesome young lady who brings an uplifting spirit to the team. She is a good motivator, and a great mentor to our team, especially the girls," Emmons said.

"Being an alumna, living here on campus, I got to spend a lot of time with her when she was a student - and same thing back then, she was one of the hardest working members on the team," he continued. "She was always that person who is the first to show up, and the last to leave. She had and still has a great work ethic, and is just a natural born leader."

Emmons said following her path through Tarleton and Sul Ross made hiring Kibbe a "no brainer."

"She knocked it out of the park for both of those programs," he said. "I am very glad to have her, and WC is very fortunate to have her on our staff."

Photography

Regarding her passion for taking photos, Kibbe specializes in western elopement, lifestyle and portrait photography. Growing up in the western industry, she gained a love for the lifestyle and its authenticity. 

"I want to keep that style in my artwork. My photos will give warm tones, raw landscapes, and all of the characteristics that my background contains," she said.

When her schedule allows, she loves to travel. She has photographed clients all throughout Texas, up to Montana, Wyoming, and Colorado. 

Her love for photography began during her undergrad years at Tarleton, where she studied agricultural communications. She first picked up a camera with a passion for wildlife photography, and some of her work was even shown at the Texas Wildlife Association convention. 

Over time, that passion began to grow as friends asked her to take their senior and engagement photos.

"I truly feel like I built my photography brand during the four and a half years I lived in West Texas," she said. "With Big Bend National Park drawing travelers from all over the country, I had the opportunity to connect with clients from Iowa, Minnesota, North Carolina, Oregon, and beyond.. capturing elopements and stories in one of the most beautiful and remote places in Texas."

Music

Kibbe will be singing the National Anthem on Saturday, Oct. 11 at the upcoming WC Rodeo.

She began her music interest in church. When she was in the fourth grade, her twin sister and a close family friend joined together with her dad to start singing at community events in Clifton. They called themselves GypsyBelle and even released an original album when she was in the eighth grade.

After high school, she picked up the guitar and began writing her own songs. In 2017, her family encouraged her to enter the Inspirational Country Music Talent Showdown. 

"I was blessed to win the Texas show and go on to Nashville, where I placed second nationally with two original songs. At the same time, I was fully dedicated to college rodeo, so music remained a passion I pursued on the side," she said.

"Since then, I've written countless songs and played numerous acoustic shows across Texas, simply enjoying the gift of sharing music in a more personal, conversational way. One day, I hope to record an album of the songs closest to my heart, but for now, I find fulfillment singing them with my family on the couch and at small acoustic shows."

Kibbe writes about faith, family, and the experiences God has given her, with a sound that blends folk, country, and western influences. Since 2018, she's also been a worship leader at the Cowboy Church of Erath County.

Writing

In the spring of 2025, Kibbe released her first two children's learning books. They are rooted in the western lifestyle, with both educational and Biblical foundations. 

"Writing for kids has been such a joy, and I'm excited to share that a children's devotional is in the works, set to release by January 2026," she said. "Stay tuned for more!"

Both books are available on Amazon.com: "The Cowkid Alphabet Coloring Book," and "The Cowkid Counter Learning Book."

"These books were created with intention and so much love - for Harlow boy (her 4-year-old son) and for little learners everywhere," she said. "My heart behind them was to give him a special way to learn, rooted in the things we use and experience every single day, while keeping it fun and engaging."

Competing

Being a mom and a coach means Kibbe doesn't compete as often as she used to, but the love for it is still there. 

"I enjoy roping and working young horses in the practice pen, and when I do get the chance to compete, it feels even more special," she said.

"My main focus is raising my little one and supporting our student-athletes, but staying connected to the arena reminds me why I fell in love with rodeo in the first place. That helps me pass this passion on to the next generation."

WC Rodeo

Kibbe is instrumental in bringing an annual National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association event to Weatherford, starting this season.

"I believe it's time for our community to have the chance to come out and support the incredible students we have right here at home," she said. "Johnny, Chase (Richter) and I have poured a lot of heart and hard work into making our inaugural rodeo a first-class production. We're expecting great things and are thrilled that the WC brand will be showcased to the world through the CowboyChannel+ livestream."

"It's truly an honor to be part of what we know will become a lasting tradition for our community. And we couldn't do it without the support from Weatherford College and the Parker County Sheriff's Posse and its members."

Family

Her husband, Walker, is a taxidermist and the owner of Kibbe Wildlife Studio. They first met at the Texas High School Rodeo State Finals, where he was a national qualifier in steer wrestling and went on to compete in college rodeo. 

While he no longer competes, he has a passion for the outdoors as an avid hunter, hunting guide, and taxidermist.

For more information on WC rodeo, go to wcathletics.com.