What We Do: Life Skills
Success isn't always measured by the number of buckles won in the arena. Today, professional cowboys and cowgirls can count success by the number of followers and sponsorships they receive and the financial stability they’ve achieved.
That’s why Western Sports Foundation (WSF) offers services to help all Western athletes excel in life outside the arena. Read on to learn more about the Life Skills services WSF provides to Western athletes.
Photo by Kaycie Timm
Social Media
In the digital age, social media is more than just a way to chat with friends—it’s a network of potential fans and sponsors. WSF works with marketing specialists who help athletes grow and leverage a positive social media presence and develop their own brand identity.
Financial Planning and Investments
Winning streaks don’t last forever, but a strong financial plan can help athletes stay afloat through the tough times. Our team of Registered Investment Advisors and Certified Financial Planners who offer education on skills including:
Budgeting and investing
Choosing life insurance
Planning for retirement
Managing taxes
In-Arena Interview Prep
Today’s Western athletes face microphones and cameras every time they win—and sometimes even when they don’t. Being camera shy is natural, but our athlete mentors can help overcome those nerves. By teaching and fine-tuning interview skills, our providers help athletes feel ready for any question and confident in front of the camera.
Meet the Team
WSF trusts only the best with our athletes’ care. Get to know each of our Life Skills providers below.
Jenna Morr, SOCIAL MEDIA SPECIALIST
Jenna is passionate about educating and training athletes on the limitless potential of social media as a branding and personal marketing platform, and, more importantly, as a revenue source. With more than ten years of experience in sports marketing and working with professional athletes in the PBR, Pro Rodeo, NFL, NLB and NBA, Jenna provides athletes with best practices and strategies to maximize their footprint within the digital space.
Kaycie Timm, Social Media and Personal Branding Specialist
As a lifelong cowgirl, Kaycie found her passion in promoting the Western industry through everything from social media and content creation to public relations and branding. Currently, she serves as the marketing consultant for WSF as well as a social media provider, helping cowboys and cowgirls develop their own personal brand and attract sponsors through their digital presence.
Justin Bates, Financial Advisor - Strategic Financial Concepts
Justin grew up competing in rodeo and created a love for the sport that never went away. When the opportunity to bring his experience in the financial services industry to pro rodeo athletes was presented, it was an easy ‘yes.’ As part of the Strategic Financial Concepts, Inc. team, Justin uses his skills to bring real change to the community he loves by helping Western athletes find financial stability.
Colby Yates, Athlete Mentor
Colby Yates is no stranger to competing on big stages. Throughout his 10-year professional career, he made five appearances at the PBR World Finals, qualified for the National Finals Rodeo and was crowned the 2011 Iron Cowboy Champion. As an ambassador and mentor, he has dedicated much of his life to helping develop Western athletes, both on and off the dirt. His current role is as the Coach of the PBR's Arizona Ridge Riders, and as an on-air host and analyst for The American Rodeo and Teton Ridge+.