Texas Tech Masked Rider Program

Sofie Jones
2026-27 Masked Rider

Sofie Jones is the 65th Masked Rider for the Texas Tech University Spirit Program. The sophomore grew up in Houston and is the youngest of four siblings. Horses have been a way of life for Sofie since she was a young child. She has competed in hunter jumper for the last 11 years as a member of the United State Hunter Jumper Association and began her passion for barrel racing during her junior year of high school. She is a student in the Honors College as well as part of the Texas Tech Rodeo Team.
 
In her free time, she started a student organization, A Dog’s Way Home (yes named after the popular novel and film) which helps pair students with dogs to ultimately help get the pups a forever home.
 
To say Sofie is a Texas Tech legacy would be a substantial understatement. Over 20 of her family members have graduated as Texas Tech Red Raiders dating back to the 1930s. Her father was a Saddle Tramp during his time in the scarlet and black with countless aunts and uncles also part of the Red Raider family.
 
“Texas Tech’s heritage runs deep in my family, and it’s something I carry with a lot of pride. This university stands for tradition, resilience and spirit, and I’m grateful to be a part of it. I promise to honor that heritage, represent Texas Tech well, and give everything I have to this role.”

 

Follow the Masked Rider Program

Program Benefits

• Leadership Scholarship
• On-Campus Meal Plan
• Paid Uniforms & Accessories
• Out of State Tuition Waiver
• Paid Travel Expenses
• Academic Tutoring
• Big 12 Conference Experiences
• Supportive Alumni

News & Highlights

• Transfer of Reins
• Fearless Champion's Final Run
• Midnight Matador Passes Away
• Original Masked Rider Passes Away, Legacy Lives On
• Memory of Joe Kirk Fulton
• Fearless Champion chosen as Horse Name
• Midnight Matador Retires
• Honoring Midnight Matador

Quick Facts

• Official Mascot of Texas Tech University
• Attends over 350 public appearances
• Travels over 15,000 miles per year
• Associated Press 9th Best College Mascot

Meet Sofie

• Tech's 65th student to serve
• Sophomore, Animal Sciences major
• Third-generation Red Raider
• From Houston, Texas
• Plans to pursue career in the equine industry. 

Tradition.

"No team in any bowl game ever made a more sensational entrance." - Ed Danforth, Atlanta Journal, Gator Bowl, January 1, 1954.

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Schedule an Appearance

Schedule the Masked Rider to attend your event. Appearance Requests must be made at least 14 days in advance of event date.

Appearance Request Form

Program Sponsor

Help Continue A Tradition

Donate to the Texas Tech Masked Rider Endowment Fund. This endowment fund is set up to help offset the many expenses incurred by the rider each year. Your support is greatly appreciated.

Donate Online

*Search: TTU Masked Rider Support Fund

Send check to:
Masked Rider Endowment
Attn: Stephanie Rhode
Center for Campus Life
Box 45014
Lubbock, TX 79409