MARTIN, Tenn. – Ashley Brooks, who was in her second season as a graduate assistant for the University of Tennessee at Martin rodeo program following a standout career as a student-athlete, passed away today at 23 years old.
Brooks was a member of the UT Martin rodeo program since 2014, taking part in barrel racing, breakaway roping and goat tying events from 2014-19. In addition to her competing as a student-athlete throughout the course of the 2018-19 season, she also served as a graduate assistant coach.
In 2017-18, Brooks ranked fourth in the Ozark Region in barrel racing, compiling 490 overall points. She advanced to the 2015 College National Finals Rodeo as a freshman, finishing 23rd in the nation in barrel racing with a 43.53 average time.
“Ashley was a fierce competitor and was so impactful to our team,” UT Martin head rodeo coach John Luthi said. “It’s hard to imagine she’s gone. She will be greatly missed.”
Brooks came to UT Martin from Obion County Central High School. The South Fulton, Tenn. native graduated from UT Martin in the spring of 2018 with a degree in agriculture. She was pursuing a graduate degree in agricultural and natural resources system management at UT Martin.
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