WWCC names Jade Smith new head rodeo coach

By Dan Thesman on Tuesday, April 30th, 2024 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories

WALLA WALLA – Walla Walla Community College has named Jade Smith as its new head rodeo coach. The 2011 WWCC graduate looks to grow the program that has literally been a part of his life and family.

His late father, Dave Smith, attended WWCC and was a national college champion in tie-down roping. Jade Smith was just 9 months old when his father died and he was raised by his uncle, Brent Palmer, who served as a WWCC rodeo coach for more than 30 years.

On July 1, Smith will take the reins from his uncle Brent, who is currently the team’s head coach.

“This is something we’ve prepared for over the last four or five years,” Smith said. “I’m really excited to keep the tradition alive.”

Looking to the future, Smith said he will focus on recruiting additional team members, making sure they know WWCC offers a bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Business as well as high-demand workforce programs.

Smith also competed in rodeo in high school and on the WWCC team. In 2017, he made the Indian National Finals Rodeo in tie-down roping.

Photo via WWCC