For Rylie Romero ’28, attending TCU has always been part of her plan. Her transfer journey shows that big dreams can come to life, even if the path to get there doesn’t look exactly as expected.
As a sixteen-year-old high school graduate, Romero already knew her college experience would be unique. While her peers were navigating the traditional application process, she faced an unexpected obstacle: TCU’s application had already closed. This setback was disappointing, but it didn’t stop her determination to keep moving forward.
“I ended up completing my first year of college at another university in Texas and competed on their collegiate rodeo team,” she says. “I would not trade my year there for anything, but you can imagine I was more than thrilled to apply for transfer last winter.”
Looking back, Romero shares that the process of transferring to TCU exceeded her expectations.
“The transfer process was seamless,” she remarks. “Applications were clear and concise, [the Office of Admission] was extremely easy to communicate with, support systems through TCU were constant and there was someone always available to help with whatever I could imagine.”
Though her first year of college didn’t begin where she had envisioned, Romero found a way to thrive both in and out of the classroom. She stayed focused on her academic goals while continuing to pursue her lifelong passion: rodeo.
Romero is a third-generation cowgirl with accomplishments that speak for themselves. She’s earned state and world titles in breakaway and team roping, including the 2023 Women’s Rodeo World Champion Challenger Breakaway Roper, and has competed successfully in the Junior World Finals, World Championship Rodeo Alliance, The Patriot, The American Rodeo and National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association.
“Rodeo is everything I have ever known. It has shaped who I am as a young woman through mental perseverance, work ethic, friendships, and responsibility,” she reflects. “Words will never be enough to express my gratitude for the incredible sport I was raised in.”
While she has taken a small step back from rodeo to focus on her studies, Romero believes this decision will only benefit her in the future.
By the time her transfer became official last winter, Romero’s excitement to become a Horned Frog was unmatched.
“From faculty to fellow students, alumni, my sorority sisters, my church, and the city of Fort Worth – everyone loves TCU, and it shows,” she notes. “There is always a source of support, love and encouragement.”
Now a strategic communication and political science student on the pre-law track, Romero has been motivated by the academic rigor and close-knit community she’s discovered at TCU.
“I have been so impressed and the intellectual knowledge of not only my incredible professors, but also my peers,” she says. “The academic level at which we are taught and surrounded by promotes the best education possible. There is no doubt in my mind that every TCU student is here for a reason and will leave their mark on this world.”
Beyond the classroom, Romero is eager to get involved on campus and leave a legacy at TCU.
“I am looking forward to fully immersing myself in TCU and everything it has to offer,” she says. Through student government, greek life, campus organizations and everything in between – I plan to become the best version of myself.”
When asked what advice she would give to students considering the transfer path, Romero’s answer is simple and heartfelt.
“Do it. It is as simple as that. Transferring to TCU will impact the rest of my life in the best way possible. If you have any inclinations to become a Horned Frog, just know there is a community of inspiration, ambition, joy, intellect and love waiting for you here. I always knew I looked better in purple, and you probably do too. From the bottom of my heart, GO FROGS!”
Grace Hartenstein ’26 is a double major in strategic communication and sociology from Millsboro, Delaware, and is a strategic communication writer for TCU’s Office of Admission.