The Tarleton rodeo family is remembering Alejandra Franco for her infectious smile, joy, kindness and the impact she made on everyone around her after her life was tragically cut short at the Alpine College Rodeo.
The Tarleton State Rodeo Team is mourning the loss of one of its own after Alejandra “Ale” Franco tragically lost her life in an accident during the Sul Ross State Unversity College Rodeo Thursday Night in Alpine, Texas.
Franco was a beloved member of the Tarleton community and a proud member of the university’s rodeo team. Her passing has left teammates, coaches, friends, and members of the Tarleton family grieving a loss that reaches far beyond the arena.
Tarleton President James Hurley also remembered Franco as a “true Texan” and a cherished member of TTM and the rodeo team. He highlighted her friendly smile, leadership, kindness, and the love she shared with those around her.
Those are the things the people who knew Ale want to remember.
Her smile was something that stood out to me personally as a team member and a friend. She was genuinely happy to be there, something I admired about her. Fun loving and kind are words that come to mind because Ale had a way of bringing joy and positivity into ordinary things. She proudly wore purple in the arena while representing the school and team she loved.
She was an active part of campus life and a true Texan who made an impact on the people around her. Her presence was felt throughout Tarleton, and now her absence will be felt just as deeply.
Perspective
For the Tarleton rodeo team, Alpine was supposed to be another college rodeo. It was another weekend on the road with big goals. We sometimes take for granted the opportunity to even drive across the state to the next rodeo. It is easy to get caught up in the competitive nature and forget to appreciate the people standing beside you while you are doing it.
Every conversation matters and every smile from a teammate walking by matters. You never know when God is going to call one of your friends home, and you never know which ordinary moment will eventually become one of the memories you hold onto the most.
For me, Ale was one of those people who unintentionally reminded me about the bigger things in life. That is something that all of us teammates can carry with them as we continue on the road. You never know when just a quick smile at someone could change their day, and ultimately their life.
Instead of waiting for something to happen before telling people they matter, appreciate them now. Have the conversation, and look up for just long enough to make a memory and make an impact. Tell your teammates you love them, and celebrate the little moments because those moments are what become memories one day.
Bleed Purple
Ale wore the purple vest with pride. For the Tarleton rodeo team, wearing purple means representing something bigger than yourself. The purple vest represents hard work, winning tradition, and strong values. Ale wore it proudly, and she represented Tarleton with the same joy and enthusiasm she brought to everything else.
Tarleton’s incredible coaches have stood beside the team through a loss no coach should ever have to help their athletes navigate. This team really is a big family. Although winning has always been important it doesn't compare to the bigger things in life.
Faith does not make a loss like this easy, and it does not give us every answer. There are questions that may never have an explanation on this earth, but it gives us somewhere to turn when we do not understand, and it reminds us that God is still present even in the moments when life does not make sense.
There will be an empty place in the arena without Ale there with us. Her time was far too short, but her impact was not. If she touched everyone who knew who the way she touched me, I can't imagine the impact.
She was a beloved member of Tarleton, a true Texan, a teammate, a friend, and a light to the people around her. The next time we walk into an arena with that purple vest on, it will not be just another rodeo. Everyone who had the pleasure of knowing Ale will remember our friend, who simply by the way she lived, reminded us to choose joy and never take the people beside us for granted.
Rodeo Roundtable sends our deepest condolences and prayers to Alejandra's family, friends, team, coaches, and everyone she touched.
