Sage Kimzey: 2024 Tiffany Davis Friend of the West Award Recipient
Sage Kimzey accepts the 2024 Tiffany Davis Friend of the West award from WSF Executive Director Aubrey O'Quin and Tiffany Davis. Photo by Kaycie Timm
Sage Kimzey always wanted to be a cowboy. With seven PRCA World Championships and numerous PBR titles to his name, he’s certainly achieved that goal—and he’s done a lot of good in the lives of others along the way.
Growing Up Cowboy
“I grew up in a rodeo family. Mom was a rodeo queen and ran barrels, and my dad was a barrel man and a bull rider,” Kimzey shares. “When I was about 16, I had some real, tangible success at a bunch of the amateur rodeos, and I realized I could do this for a living.”
Kimzey started bringing home buckles at a young age, sparking his dream of being a professional cowboy. Photo courtesy of Alexis Kimzey.
Those early wins developed into an extremely successful career for the current member of the Carolina Cowboys PBR team, but it hasn’t been an easy road.
“Most of us come from humble beginnings,” Kimzey explains. “You turn 18, and if you're good enough, you get thrown out into the real world. You're talking about a bunch of high school kids that get thrown into this realm of making pretty good money, trying to figure out how to manage a budget and be your own travel agent, while competing at a high level. The learning curve is really sharp.”
His own experiences as a bull rider inspired Kimzey to take a leadership role with the up-and-coming bull riders who are following in his footsteps.
Award-winning Leadership
“I’m really passionate about helping the 16-year-old version of Sage Kimzey,” he shares. “I think the biggest thing that that I've been doing, most recently, is being a good leader in the locker room for the young guys. The number one thing for me is to be a sense of reason and be a role model.”
It’s that mindset that made Kimzey the perfect recipient of the 2024 Tiffany Davis Friend of the West award, which honors an individual who embodies the light and generosity of Tiffany Davis.
Kimzey poses with Jerome and Tiffany Davis. Photo courtesy of Alexis Kimzey.
“I didn’t think I was worthy of the award, honestly,” Kimzey reflects. “You mention Tiffany Davis and her giving back to the Western world—I don't know that there's anybody that's more synonymous with that. Talk about a friend of the West—she's a friend to everyone. Her house is always open. Especially being a part of the Carolina Cowboys, she's been a mom to all of us. It’s really cool to be even mentioned in that light, just because she is such an incredible human.”
It takes a village
Kimzey credits his success to his wife, Alexis, along with countless others who have mentored and supported him throughout his career.
“I'm pretty lucky that, ever since my second year rodeoing, I've had Alexis in my corner,” he shares. To have to have a teammate like that and have somebody to lean on is invaluable, especially when you talk about how hard the struggles of rodeo can be. Without my wife on my side helping me become the man I am today, who knows what path my life would have gone down.”
The Kimzeys share a private moment during the WSF Bootlegger Ball. Photo courtesy of the Austin Gamblers.
Although his own journey into the rodeo world included a strong support system, Kimzey also appreciates the value of organizations like WSF that offer resources for cowboys and cowgirls who don’t have the same benefits he enjoyed.
“The sport of rodeo and the whole Western industry has grown at such a rapid pace that it's not just a hobby—it's a viable career choice,” he explains. “With that being said, there's a lot more responsibility on the line. You're talking about a sport that is extremely dangerous. Whenever you nod your head on a bull, your life can change in the blink of an eye. WSF has resources to help you figure out how to take care of your finances, your body, and your mind. The sky's the limit with that because it's a resource that we've never had in Western sports.”
Cowboy values
As Kimzey adapts to his newfound role as a veteran of the sport, he has also realized that the true significance of the Western industry lies not in the buckles and the accolades, but in the people.
“When you come in at 18, what you value most is the buckles, the money, and the fun times you have with your friends,” Kimzey reveals. “But the older I get, the more I realize what really matters is the people. You'll never meet a better, more hospitable, respectful group of people. They're just special.”
Kimzey is joined by his wife, Alexis, and other supporters at the WSF Bootlegger Ball. Photo by Kaycie Timm
About the Tiffany Davis Friend of the West Award
This award recognizes individuals who embody the light and generosity of Tiffany Davis. Tiffany is the epitome of what it means to help athletes and their families. She has been an advocate, lifeline, cheerleader, and support system for so many. Her smile and kind heart welcomes all, her hand extended to help raise you up. She is a respected member of the western community and a true Friend of the West.