Casey Rae Sellers is fourth-generation rancher in northern Wyoming, a decorated college rodeo competitor, and now the assistant rodeo coach at Gillette College. Her journey blends grit, curiosity, and a passion for helping young athletes discover who they are: both inside and outside the arena.

Growing Up on the Ranch

“I count it as one of my biggest blessings,” Casey says, sitting on the same ranch her great-grandfather bought after moving from Eagle, Colorado, in the early 1970s.

From her earliest memories, she was horseback—either trailing cattle or chasing barrels and calves. The rural neighborhood she grew up in still operates on community cooperation: neighbors helping gather cattle, brand, and ship livestock together.

“That family-type feel has fallen away in a lot of places, even in rural areas,” she says. “It definitely molded me into who I am.”

From Little Britches to College Arenas

Casey’s competitive streak runs deep. As a kid, she joined the Little Britches Rodeo Association, winning her first saddle at just six years old on a scrappy little Mustang that could fly through the pole pattern.

“We’d compete over about anything,” she laughs. “Race to the barn, see whose horse walked fastest… it’s just kind of bred into me.”

That drive carried through high school and into college. Though she looked at programs across the country, she ultimately stayed close to home at Gillette College (45 miles from the ranch) so she could keep developing the family’s young horses.

It proved the right call: she qualified for the College National Finals Rodeo five times, earning a reputation as a versatile, all-around competitor.

Coaching the Next Generation

Casey’s path to coaching began as a student coach under University of Wyoming’s Beau Clark. Working with athletes her own age taught her early lessons in leadership and communication.

When the chance came to return to Gillette College as assistant rodeo coach, she jumped at it.

With a smaller roster (just 20 athletes total) Casey takes a highly individualized approach.

“It’s not a one-size-fits-all situation,” she says. “They have to trust me enough to expose their flaws, because that’s the only way to improve.”

The results speak for themselves: of the five women on her team last season, four qualified for CNFR.

Advice to Live By

Her parting wisdom is simple but powerful:

“Step back. Laugh at yourself. Keep perspective. We’re more blessed than we think. There’s more to the world than me, myself, and I, and if you can see that, you’ll do well.”