Masked Rider

The Masked Rider is the official mounted mascot of Texas Tech University and one of the university's most recognizable traditions. Each year, a Texas Tech student is selected to serve as the Masked Rider, representing the university at athletic events, campus programs and public appearances throughout the region.

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2026-27 Masked Rider

Sofie Jones

Sofie Jones serves as the 65th Masked Rider for Texas Tech University. A sophomore from Houston, Jones is an animal sciences major, Honors College student and member of the Texas Tech Rodeo Team.

Jones grew up around horses and has competed in hunter jumper for more than a decade. She later developed an interest in barrel racing during high school. Her experience with horses and involvement at Texas Tech prepared her to take on the responsibilities of serving as the university's official mounted mascot.

Jones also founded A Dog's Way Home, a Texas Tech student organization that helps connect students with dogs in need of permanent homes.

She is a third-generation Red Raider with more than 20 family members who have graduated from Texas Tech, dating back to the 1930s.

Meet Sofie

• 65th student to serve as the Masked Rider
• From Houston, Texas
• Animal sciences major
• Texas Tech Honors College student
• Texas Tech Rodeo Team member
• Third-generation Red Raider
• Plans to pursue a career in the equine industry

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About the Masked Rider Program

The Masked Rider has served as Texas Tech's official mascot since Jan. 1, 1954, when Joe Kirk Fulton rode onto the field at the Gator Bowl. The tradition itself began earlier with student "Ghost Riders" who appeared unexpectedly on horseback at Texas Tech football games.

Today, the Masked Rider and horse serve as year-round ambassadors for Texas Tech. The program represents the university at athletic events, rodeos, parades, community programs and other public appearances.

The Masked Rider is more than a game-day role. The student selected for the position is responsible for representing Texas Tech professionally, caring for and working with the university's horse and maintaining a demanding schedule of appearances throughout the year.

Explore Spirit Program Traditions & History

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Program Commitment

Serving as the Masked Rider is a significant year-round commitment. The rider works closely with Spirit Program staff and the university's horse while balancing academics, training, travel and public appearances.

Responsibilities may include:

• Representing Texas Tech at athletic events and university functions
• Participating in community appearances, parades and special events
• Working with and caring for the university's horse
• Maintaining riding and horsemanship skills
• Traveling on behalf of Texas Tech
• Participating in Spirit Program meetings, training and activities
• Serving as a public ambassador for the university

The Masked Rider program historically makes hundreds of public appearances and travels thousands of miles each year, making availability, responsibility and time management essential to the position.

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Program Benefits

Program members receive benefits and support associated with representing Texas Tech as part of the Spirit Program.

• Leadership scholarship opportunities
• Coverage for out-of-state tuition
• Meal plan
• Travel expenses
• Uniforms and accessories
• Academic tutoring
• Discounted personal care services, including tanning, waxing, eyelash extensions, hair appointments and nail appointments

Support from community partners helps provide additional opportunities and resources for Texas Tech Spirit Program members.

Spirit Program Sponsors

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Become the Masked Rider

Masked Rider candidates complete a competitive selection process that evaluates academic eligibility, horsemanship, leadership and the ability to represent Texas Tech publicly.

Tryouts are typically conducted during the spring semester. Candidates should have considerable equestrian experience and must meet the academic, enrollment and other eligibility requirements established for the selection cycle.

The 2026-27 selection information remains available on the Spirit Program's consolidated Join page, along with information about future selection opportunities as they are announced.

Masked Rider Selection Information

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Request a Masked Rider Appearance

The Masked Rider represents Texas Tech at university, community and special events. Appearance requests should be submitted in advance and are subject to the rider's academic, athletic and Spirit Program schedule.

Use the Spirit Program appearance page for request information, policies and the appearance request form.

Request a Spirit Program Appearance

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Support the Tradition

Private support helps offset expenses associated with the Masked Rider program and provides resources for students who carry on this Texas Tech tradition.

Alumni & Support