FRESNO, CALIF. (RFD NEWS) — Durango Boots has named Presley Cooper the third annual recipient of its National Day of the Cowgirl Scholarship, recognizing a young woman who embodies the strength, confidence, and spirit of a cowgirl.
Cooper is an undergraduate student at CSU Fresno pursuing a degree in agricultural business with a minor in water studies. She also plans to pursue a law degree with a specialization in agricultural law.
Celebrating the Next Generation of Cowgirls
The National Day of the Cowgirl is celebrated each year on September 15. Erin DeLong, marketing manager for Durango Boots, said the company created the day to recognize women who contribute to the Western and agricultural industries.
Five years ago, the Durango team wanted to create a day dedicated to celebrating cowgirls.
“There wasn’t a day dedicated to the amazing women who I think are the backbone of our industry,” DeLong said. “And we thought, let’s seize this opportunity. No one else is doing it, and we created it.”
The day is proclaimed through the National Day of Archives and is observed each September 15.
DeLong said the celebration is intended to recognize cowgirls regardless of their age, ethnicity, location or background.
“If you are doing something in regard to a cowgirl and propelling our industry forward, we want to recognize you, and we want to celebrate you,” DeLong said.
The company created the scholarship to recognize the next generation and encourage young women to pursue their education.
The scholarship awards $30,000 over the remainder of the recipient’s undergraduate college career.
Scholarship Supports Agriculture and Western Education
DeLong said eligible applicants must be female, live in the United States or Canada, and already be enrolled as a first-year undergraduate student.
Applicants must also be pursuing a degree with a Western connection, which could include agriculture, dude ranching, Western sports, or another field with a Western influence.
The current scholarship opened on National Day of the Cowgirl and runs through the end of the year.
DeLong said Durango has awarded $90,000 through the scholarship over the last three years.
Cooper Brings Western Roots to Fresno State
Cooper said she was at home with her roommate when she learned she had won.
“We were just in awe. We were sitting there like, no way. This is actually real,” Cooper said.
She said her mother encouraged her to apply and has been one of her biggest inspirations.
“There’s nothing that she’s ever told me I couldn’t do,” Cooper said. “And when I set my mind to it, hers is just as set.”
Cooper said receiving the scholarship is an honor and an opportunity to represent the National Day of the Cowgirl.
“I never in a million years imagined it would be me,” Cooper said. “It’s so cool to be able to be the face of such a cool day and represent something like this.”
Cooper grew up in Livermore, California, and said she did not come from a ranching family.
Her mother introduced her to horseback riding lessons, and her parents supported her as she pursued opportunities in the Western industry. Cooper later became involved in high school rodeo and now competes in collegiate rodeo at Fresno State.
“I’ve met so many people along the way that helped me so much,” Cooper said.
Cooper competes in breakaway roping and also participates in tie-down roping. She said her rodeo involvement has been an important part of her journey and has connected her with people who have helped her along the way.
The scholarship will also provide significant financial support as she continues her education.
Cooper said she expects to spend about seven years in school as she works toward becoming a lawyer.
“It’s just the biggest weight off my back to know that it’s all handled,” Cooper said.
Looking Toward a Career in Agricultural Law
Cooper plans to continue her education and pursue a career in agricultural law.
“I just want to make a difference, and I want to help as many people as I possibly can,” Cooper said.
She also hopes to make an impact in the rodeo world if the opportunity arises.
For young cowgirls who hope to follow a similar path, Cooper offered a simple message: “It’s never give up and not let anyone tell you you can’t,” she said.
