Debbie Garrison

Miss Rodeo America and 12-Time PWRA Finals Qualifier.

Debbie Garrison

Induction Year: HICO, 1999

Born: La Rochelle, France

Primary Discipline: Rodeo

Profession / Role: Team Roper; Former Miss Rodeo America

Primary Skills: Team Roping (Header), Barrel Racing, Goat Tying

Known For: 1979 Miss Rodeo America representing Texas. Twelve-time PWRA Finals Qualifier and two-time Finals Average Champion

Early Life and Background

Debbie Garrison was raised in Mineral Wells, Texas, where she developed an early interest in rodeo competition. As a youth and high school competitor, she participated in barrel racing, pole bending, goat tying, and women’s roughstock events.

She attended Tarleton State University in Stephenville, Texas, where she competed on the rodeo team in barrel racing and goat tying. In addition to rodeo, she was a member of the university gymnastics team and served as head cheerleader. Her collegiate involvement reflected both athletic ability and leadership.

In 1979, representing the state of Texas, Garrison was selected as Miss Rodeo America. During her year of service, she earned the Horsemanship and Appearance titles, representing professional rodeo at events nationwide and serving as an ambassador for the sport.

Professional Career and Rise

Following her year as Miss Rodeo America, Garrison entered the Western industry as a sales representative and sales manager for T.O. Stanley Boot Company and the Salaminder Western Clothing Line.

She also pursued a professional rodeo career, focusing on team roping as a header. Garrison qualified for the Professional Women’s Rodeo Association Finals twelve times in the team roping event. She won the Finals average twice and earned the Reserve World Championship twice in team roping as a header.

Her achievements also include being named WPRA Timed Event and Team Roping Rookie of the Year in 1990. She qualified for the Women’s National Finals Rodeo multiple times between 1989 and 1999 and again from 2009 through 2012, demonstrating longevity and sustained competitiveness within the sport.

In addition to her competitive accomplishments, Garrison has been a member of the Women’s Professional Rodeo Association, the U.S. Team Roping Association, and the World Series of Team Roping.

Legacy and Impact

Debbie Garrison’s career reflects distinction both as a rodeo ambassador and as a professional competitor. As Miss Rodeo America, she represented the sport at a national level, promoting rodeo traditions and values. As a team roper, she established herself among the top women competitors of her era through repeated Finals qualifications and championship-level performances.

Her influence extends beyond competition. Garrison has been an advocate and supporter of collegiate rodeo, particularly at Tarleton State University. Her donations and leadership support contributed to the development of practice facilities for the university’s rodeo program, benefiting future generations of student-athletes.

Garrison has also remained active in charitable and scholarship fundraising efforts, supporting youth development within the rodeo community. Her service reflects a long-term commitment to strengthening the sport at both professional and grassroots levels.

Later Years

Garrison continues to reside in Texas and remains active within the rodeo community. She serves on the Board of Directors for the Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame and participates in charitable initiatives that raise funds for youth scholarships and rodeo-related causes.

HONORS AND RECOGNITION

• Miss Rodeo America (representing Texas), 1979

• Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame, 1999

• Cowboy Capital Walk of Fame, 2000

• Mineral Wells High School Sports Hall of Fame, 2003

• Tarleton State University Rodeo Hall of Fame, 2016

• Texas Rodeo Cowboy Hall of Fame, 2017

• All Cowboy & Arena Champions Hall of Fame, 2023

LINKS AND REFERENCES

●      Texas Rodeo Cowboy Hall of Fame - https://texasrodeocowboy.com/inductees/debbie-garrison/

●      Tarleton State University – https://www.tarleton.edu/news/tarleton-state-university-to-induct-five-into-rodeo-hall-of-fame/