PRORODEO Sports News - July 2, 2026

SHANE HANCHEY’S A TRUE COWBOY BY SKYLAR SMITH POSITIVE TIMES OF PRORODEO

S ome champions are remembered for what they accomplish inside the arena. Others are remem bered for the way they carry them selves outside of it. Shane Hanchey has built a legacy that encompasses both. A World Champion tie-down roper, devoted husband, proud father, entrepreneur, and longtime member of the American Hat Company family, Hanchey has spent his life pursuing excellence while remaining grounded in the values that matter most. His journey is a testament to the idea that

raised in Louisiana, Hanchey’s roots run deep in the culture and traditions of the South. Like many great rodeo athletes, part of his story began in youth rodeos and small-town arenas. What started as a hobby for roping eventually evolved into one of the most decorated careers in PRORO DEO. Over the years, Hanchey has es tablished himself as one of the most respected tie-down ropers of his gen eration. His defining moment came in 2013 when he captured the PRCA Tie-Down Roping World Champi onship, solidifying his place among the sport’s elite. Yet perhaps even more impressive than a world title is the consistency he demonstrated throughout his career. Sixteen consecu tive appearances at the Nation al Finals Rodeo reflect not only extraordinary talent, but also the discipline, determination, and resil ience required to compete at rodeo’s highest level year after year. Away from competition, Hanchey’s influence continues to grow. Along side his wife, fellow rodeo cham pion Taylor Hanchey, he is embracing his most important role yet: fatherhood. To gether they are raising their son, Stran, and recently

dream about and for that I am forever grateful. But becoming a father is a whole different level of greatness.” His words reveal a side of the champion that fans don’t always see. The world titles, NFR qualifications, and career accomplishments remain important, but they no longer stand alone. “Stran is 2 years old now, and he makes me smile each day watching him grow up. Now he has a little sister doing the same. Now I’ll be the first to admit having two kids both under two years old ain’t always sunshine and rainbows, but having a positive mindset helps with the not-so-pos itive days. Leaving for the summer without them was one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do. But I know this is how I provide for my family and at the end of the day that’s what motivates me now. Keeping a positive mindset helps. So no matter what you are going through or doing, just know there are better days ahead, or better yet, positive times ahead.” Through every chapter of his jour ney, one thing has remained constant: his loyalty to American Hat Company. For years, Hanchey has represented the values that define the brand. Au thenticity, hard work, integrity, and a deep respect for the Western way of life. From Louisiana youth rodeos to the bright lights of the National Finals Rodeo, from a World Championship to fatherhood, Shane Hanchey’s story is one of perseverance, purpose, and perspective. His legacy will certainly include championship titles and arena accomplishments, but perhaps his greatest achievement is the life he is building beyond the rodeo arena. Be cause in the end, the most meaningful victories aren’t always won under the bright lights. Sometimes they’re found at home, surrounded by family, appreciating the positive times that make the journey worthwhile.

true success is mea sured not only by gold buckles and cham pion ships, but by the peo ple you impact and the family you build along the way. Born and

welcomed their daughter, Sloan Jacob Hanchey, into the world. For Hanchey, these moments have reshaped his perspective on success. “2026 has had a lot of times with positivity in it,” he says. “Most recent ly on May 26 when we welcomed our baby girl Sloan Jacob Hanchey into this world. I’ve

been very fortunate in my career at accomplish ing many things guys just

July 2, 2026 PRORODEO SPORTS NEWS DIGITAL MAGAZINE 53