In a dazzling blend of tradition, grit, and academic excellence, 24-year-old Reanna Santos has been crowned Miss Rodeo Texas 2025, marking a triumphant milestone not only for herself but for the legacy of Texas A&M University. Just one month after earning her Master of Science in Rangeland, Wildlife and Fisheries Management, Santos—already an accomplished researcher and leader—swapped her graduation cap for a glittering crown on June 20 in Denton, Texas.

Representing the North Texas Fair, Santos didn’t just win the title—she swept the competition, claiming top honors in speech, appearance, personality, congeniality, horsemanship, and the rigorous knowledge test. Her success reflects the depth of her character, the strength of her academic foundation, and a deep-rooted love for the Western way of life.

“Being named Miss Rodeo Texas was a dream come true, but it feels like a continuation of the journey I started at Texas A&M,” Santos said. “My time there gave me the tools, confidence and network to step into this role.”

Reanna Santos ’22 ’25 will represent Texas at the Miss Rodeo America Pageant during the National Finals Rodeo in December. (Michael Miller/Texas A&M AgriLife)

A Ranch Girl With Big Dreams

Hailing from Angleton, Texas, Santos was raised on her family’s ranch in Southeast Texas, where she and her sister embraced long days baling hay, caring for livestock, and developing an unwavering work ethic. Through Texas 4-H and FFA, she honed her skills in public speaking, leadership, and horsemanship—planting seeds that would eventually bloom into a statewide crown.

At Texas A&M, Santos dove headfirst into university life. She competed on the Texas A&M Equestrian Team, joined organizations like the 12th Man Foundation Collegiate Council, Agronomy Society, and the Graduate Student Organization for Rangeland, Wildlife and Fisheries Management. She also found time to give back through The Big Event and mentorship roles.

“Being an Aggie means tradition and involvement,” she said. “I was probably involved in too many things, but each one taught me something valuable.”

Science, Seeds, and Stewardship

Santos’ academic journey began with a spark of curiosity in rangeland ecology, leading to graduate research that explored native and invasive grasses and their impact on biodiversity in South Texas. Her work extended beyond the Lone Star State—contributing to doctoral research in Nevada and Wyoming, gaining field experience in backcountry survival, and even leading undergraduate lab sessions on wildland plant identification.

“I never thought my love for plants and conservation would take me to so many places,” she reflected.

Her passion for stewardship now blooms into her pageant platform, “Flourish with Purpose,” an initiative focused on cultivating faith, community, and service. In partnership with a seed company, Santos is distributing native Texas wildflower seed packets as she travels—spreading both beauty and education across the state.

“Just like native seeds bloom in the right environment, people flourish when they’re surrounded by the right support,” Santos shared.

From Aggieland to the National Stage

Balancing the demands of finishing her thesis with preparing for the pageant was no small feat, but Santos credits her success to the unwavering support of her professors, coaches, and fellow Aggies.

Now, as Miss Rodeo Texas 2025, her calendar is filled with rodeos, civic appearances, and educational outreach—all leading up to the Miss Rodeo America Pageant this December in Las Vegas, held during the National Finals Rodeo.

“It’s a busy year, but pressure is a privilege,” Santos said. “Being an Aggie didn’t just prepare me for this title. It prepared me for a life full of purpose.”

A Reign Rooted in Tradition and Growth

In a time when the Western lifestyle is as much about conservation and education as it is about cowboy boots and rodeo arenas, Reanna Santos is the perfect ambassador for the future. With academic brilliance, community spirit, and rodeo royalty rolled into one remarkable woman, she embodies everything Miss Rodeo Texas—and Texas A&M—stand for.