Western Oklahoma State College freshman Charlcie Parker graduated from Central Marlow High School before taking her talents to the next level. Parker is a member of the rodeo team, participating in barrel racing. Parker competed her junior year of high school and is now one of the promising barrel racers looking to add to an already successful rodeo program at Western Oklahoma State College. The transition from high school to college was fairly easy for Parker. 

“It was pretty easy for me! I love how welcoming Western was for me and it gave me the high school feel,” said Parker. 

As a student-athlete at Western, Parker has enjoyed many of the activities the team is involved in and how accommodating the school is for its athletes. Parker said meeting and making new friends is one thing she has enjoyed the most. 

“I have enjoyed meeting and making new friends the most. My first college rodeo was super fun as well,” said Parker. 

Parker has spent most of her life involved in rodeo. She got her start at a young age and has enjoyed many memorable moments in the ring. 

“I started rodeoing when I was about eight. My favorite memory is making the BBRWF short go my Junior year,” said Parker. 

Even in her free time, Parker likes to attend rodeos and spend time with family and friends. 

“I enjoy going to rodeos and spending time with my wiener dogs. I also do photography as a hobby in my free time,” said Parker. 

But being a member of the rodeo team at Western Oklahoma State College requires a certain level of commitment which Parker is more than willing to put in the work to help the team. 

“I would say I work three to four hours a day. Horses are a lot of work when it comes to feeding, caring, and riding. I like to do a lot of stuff outside of the barrel pattern such as walking and trotting pastures to keep my horses mind fresh,” said Parker. 

As a student, Parker is majoring in nursing with plans of one day working in the medical field.