About the Guest
Ashley Adams hails from Lubbock, Texas, and has built her identity around her passion for horses and her alma mater, Texas Tech University. As a child, she aspired to become the Texas Tech Masked Rider – a goal she realized when she was selected as the prestigious 60th Masked Rider. With a background in animal sciences, she earned both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees at Texas Tech. Ashley’s experiences as Masked Rider have not only made her a prominent figure in the university community but also shaped her understanding of leadership and responsibility. Today, she balances her role as a marketing manager at Masked Rider Capital and as the owner of Ashley Adams Media, focusing on photography and brand storytelling.
Summary
Join us as we dive into the inspiring journey of Ashley Adams, whose childhood aspiration of becoming the celebrated Texas Tech Masked Rider catapulted her into an adventure of growth, challenges, and fulfillment. In this episode, Ashley shares the story behind achieving the iconic status and the profound bond she formed with fearless champion – the horse who guided her through the thrilling episodes of her tenure as the 60th Masked Rider.
Discover Ashley’s persistent pursuit of her dream, despite initial setbacks and the eventual rewards her dedication brought that transcended beyond football fields and into her personal growth. Encompassing a rich tapestry of emotional resilience and revelations, Ashley’s narrative explores the power of steadfast ambition, behind-the-scenes insights of an iconic college tradition, and her evolution both during and after her tenure as Masked Rider.
Key Takeaways
- Ashley Adams’ dream of becoming the Texas Tech Masked Rider, despite early rejections, stands as a testament to perseverance and the power of setting goals from a young age.
- The journey to becoming the Masked Rider includes a significant behind-the-scenes commitment and the management of a full academic load alongside numerous appearances.
- Ashley underscores the emotional weight of being the Masked Rider, from handling rejection to the eventual bittersweet transition upon retiring the role.
- The episode reveals the intimate and transformative connection between a Masked Rider and their horse, showcasing Ashley’s unique bond with Fearless Champion.
- Post-Masked Rider life has led Ashley to a meaningful career in marketing and media, where she continues to apply the lessons learned from her unique college experience.
Key Takeaways
- “And then phone rang, and I just started crying.”
- “But I did. Didn’t understand that I needed to grow where I even got there.”
- “He [Fearless Champion] just let me fall in love with myself again.”
- “I always tell people I loved one Masked Rider job for another Masked Rider job.”
Resources
Listen to the full episode to immerse yourself in Ashley Adams’ emotive and motivational saga, where her dreams, aligned with Texas Tech’s legacy, craft a story of great tenacity and passion. Stay connected for more inspiring episodes that delve into the minds of high achievers and offer nuggets of wisdom ripe for application in your own journeys.
Contact
| Timestamp | Summary |
|---|---|
| 0:00:00 | Ashley Adams’ childhood dream of becoming the Texas Tech Masked Rider |
| 0:03:47 | Ashley’s journey from childhood dream to pursuing a bachelor’s and master’s degree at Texas Tech |
| 0:08:20 | Ashley’s decision to try out for the Masked Rider position and her first attempt in 2017 |
| 0:09:33 | Ashley’s realization that she wasn’t in the right place and her decision to pursue grad school |
| 0:10:46 | Ashley’s experience working with previous Masked Riders and her determination to try again |
| 0:11:30 | Ashley’s emotional reaction to receiving the offer to become the 60th Masked Rider |
| 0:11:14 | Ashley’s dream of becoming the masked writer is delayed |
| 0:11:42 | Ashley realizes landing the job will take more than one good interview |
| 0:13:08 | Ashley falls in love with the horse, Fearless Champion |
| 0:13:28 | Ashley experiences disappointment after not getting the job |
| 0:15:29 | Ashley gains wisdom from others and sees the bigger picture |
| 0:16:03 | Ashley reflects on the journey and finds gratitude |
| 0:18:06 | Each year as the masked writer is unique and special |
| 0:20:01 | Ashley’s determination to keep trying |
| 0:20:18 | Ashley’s final interview and acceptance of the outcome |
| 0:21:46 | Ashley’s peace and nerves before finding out the result |
| 0:22:31 | Ashley receives a phone call offering her the position as the 60th masked Rider |
| 0:28:07 | Ashley reflects on the surprises and challenges of her role as the masked Rider |
| 0:30:46 | Ashley expresses her gratitude for her assistants and their sacrifices |
| 0:32:27 | Ashley discusses the nerves and public opinions she faced during her year as the masked Rider |
| 0:33:55 | Ashley reveals that Fearless Champion’s retirement was at the end of her year |
| 0:33:46 | Midnight Matador and Fearless Champion are the longest-serving horses in the program. |
| 0:33:59 | Ashley had a feeling that her year would be Fearless Champion’s last. |
| 0:35:13 | Ashley finds out about Fearless Champion’s retirement from Bradley, who is making shirts for his final run. |
| 0:36:22 | Ashley receives many messages from people planning to watch Fearless Champion’s final run. |
| 0:37:37 | Ashley prepares for Fearless Champion’s retirement and works behind the scenes to get ready. |
| 0:38:24 | Ashley has emotional moments alone with Fearless Champion before his retirement. |
| 0:40:10 | Ashley reflects on how Fearless Champion carried her through her year as the Masked Rider. |
| 0:41:23 | Fearless Champion remains calm and steady, easing Ashley’s nerves before each football run. |
| 0:43:07 | Fearless Champion falls asleep on the sidelines before a run, showing his trust in Ashley. |
| 0:44:47 | Ashley reflects on the impact of Fearless Champion and how he carried her through her year. |
| 0:45:19 | Ashley reflects on the transition from being the Masked Rider to passing the reins to someone else. |
| 0:46:19 | Ashley talks about the challenges of finding her identity outside of the Masked Rider role. |
| 0:47:17 | Ashley discusses the difficulty of leaving her horse and adjusting to a new life after being the Masked Rider. |
| 0:48:27 | Ashley shares her experience of finding happiness in her current job and learning to be content with where she is. |
| 0:49:05 | Ashley describes her role as a marketing coordinator at Mass Rider Capital and the joy she finds in her work. |
| 0:50:38 | Ashley talks about the importance of giving back to the community and helping others. |
| 0:52:42 | Ashley reflects on the song “I’m Gonna Be” by Post Malone and its significance in her life. |
| 0:53:57 | Ashley discusses the uncertainty of the future and the desire to continue making a difference. |
| 0:55:13 | Ashley shares her social media accounts for those who want to connect with her work. |
| 0:55:51 | Toby thanks Ashley for sharing her story and being an ambassador for the university. |
| 0:56:57 | Ashley Adams introduces herself as undone. |
| 0:56:59 | Toby Brooks expresses gratitude for Ashley Adams as the guest. |
| 0:57:24 | Toby Brooks announces Ashley Adams. |
| 0:57:29 | Ashley Adams responds. |
| 0:57:48 | Toby Brooks mentions upcoming guests. |
| 0:58:35 | Toby Brooks concludes the episode. |