Bio

Howard College Welcomes Kyle VanDerLeest as New Assistant Rodeo Coach

Howard College is proud to announce the hiring of Kyle VanDerLeest as the new Assistant Rodeo Coach for the Howard College Hawks. Joining one of the most competitive regions in the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association (NIRA), VanDerLeest will help lead a program that has a storied history of sending athletes to the College National Finals Rodeo.

Originally from Illinois, VanDerLeest grew up roping and rodeoing from a young age, beginning in the High School Rodeo Association before moving on to compete at the collegiate level. He spent two years at Black Hawk College in Galva, Illinois before transferring to West Texas A&M University in Canyon, Texas, where he continued both his education and his rodeo career.

A talented multi-event competitor, VanDerLeest specialized in steer wrestling, tie-down roping, and team roping—disciplines he remains passionate about today. His rodeo résumé includes being named the 2015 Illinois State Champion in tie-down roping, team roping, and all-around cowboy, as well as qualifying for the National High School Finals Rodeo four times. In addition to his rodeo success, VanDerLeest was a two-year varsity basketball player and sectional three-point finalist, balancing athletics with academic excellence as a consistent honor roll student and maintaining a 3.5 GPA through college.

Before joining Howard College, VanDerLeest served as interim men’s rodeo coach at Texas Tech University, where he gained valuable experience coaching at a high level in the NIRA’s competitive Southwest Region—home to powerhouse programs such as Texas Tech and Tarleton State.

“College rodeo shaped and guided my career more than I ever expected,” VanDerLeest said. “The friendships, the memories, and the lessons learned left a lasting impact—and now, I’m excited to give back to the sport by helping young athletes navigate this important chapter in their lives.”

With VanDerLeest’s leadership and expertise, the Hawks aim to continue their winning tradition and remain a force in the newly formed Caprock Region, both in and out of the arena. Welcome to the team, Coach!