STEPHENVILLE, Texas — Former Tarleton State University rodeo standout JJ Hampton has been selected for induction into the National Cowgirl Hall of Fame in Fort Worth.

Induction ceremonies are scheduled for Nov. 12 at Dickies Arena.

While it might be hard to believe after such a successful run in the sport, becoming a hall of fame rodeo star wasn’t the initial plan. 

After completing her bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, Hampton, a 1993 graduate, held a career goal to become a lawyer.

“Right after graduation I sold my horse because I was planning on going to law school,” she said. “That didn’t work out, so I went into pro rodeo. 

“God works in mysterious ways. If I’d gone to law school, I’d never have been an 18-time world champion.”

Already featured in the Tarleton State Rodeo Hall of Fame, the Texas Rodeo Cowboys Hall of Fame, the Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame and the Cowboy Capital Walk of Fame, Hampton sees her latest honor as a unique one. 

“This is the National Cowgirl Hall of Fame,” she said. There are people in there from all over the country. It’s quite an honor. I don’t really have the words to say how much this means to me. 

“It’s a legacy for my family, my kids and grandkids, something for all of us to cherish. It’s pretty special to know that people are going to walk through the National Cowgirl Hall of Fame for years to come and I’ll have my own little star there.”

Born and raised in Stephenville, Hampton competed in her first rodeo at 4 years old. A roper for Tarleton State’s rodeo team, she was inducted to the university’s Rodeo Hall of Fame in 2014. Her pro rodeo career includes 18 Women’s Professional Rodeo Association world championships and 25 national titles. 

Hampton, still active in professional rodeo, owns JJ Hampton Realty in Stephenville and produces the annual Johnny Wayne Hampton Memorial Roping in honor of her late father, benefitting a scholarship fund for Tarleton State students.

Set to be inducted with Hampton are Californian Beth Cross, Canadian Kaila Mussell and The Pack Horse Library Project, headquartered in Kentucky.

A founding member of The Texas A&M System, Tarleton State University is breaking records — in enrollment, research, scholarship, athletics, philanthropy and engagement — while transforming the lives of approximately 18,000 students in Stephenville, Fort Worth, Waco, Bryan and online. For 125 years, Tarleton State has been committed to accessible higher education opportunities for all while helping students grow academically, socially and professionally through programs that emphasize real world learning and address regional, state and national needs.