Texas Tech University’s tradition-rich Spirit Program welcomes new leaders for the 2026-27 academic year.

Since 1954, the Masked Rider has embodied the grit and determination of the Red Raider spirit. 

Now, following the Transfer of Reins ceremony Friday (April 17) at the McKenzie-Merket Alumni Center, a new rider will don the signature mask and cape synonymous with one of the university’s most beloved and recognizable traditions. 

The Texas Tech University community formally welcomed Sofie Jones as the 65th Masked Rider and said farewell to 64th rider, Rose Rosas.

A Houston native, Jones began riding at the age of 3, following in her mother’s footsteps. She has spent over a decade competing in barrel racing and multiple equestrian events. Her passion for horses is part of what brought her to Texas Tech, where she is pursuing a degree in animal science. 

Jones is active at Texas Tech, where she is an Honors College student and a member of the Texas Tech Rodeo Team. Despite her demanding schedule, she said her horses provide a sense of stability as opposed to stress. 

“It doesn’t feel like work,” said Jones. “Taking care of them has never really felt like work to me. I actually feel like it helps me with my strive for school.” 

A third-generation Red Raider, Jones comes from a family of more than 20 Texas Tech alumni, spanning back to the 1930s. Undoubtedly, tradition plays a central role in her life. From football games to her father’s association with the Saddle Tramps, the Texas Tech spirit was instilled in Jones from an early age.   

“The biggest thing that resonates with me is there’s going to be a lot of little girls looking up to me,” said Jones, “a lot of little girls who will want to do this one day.”   

Over the years, the selection process for the Masked Rider has evolved. This year followed a rigorous, multistep process over the course of a month and a half. 

Jones becomes the 33rd woman to serve as the Masked Rider. She follows in the footsteps of the 64th Masked Rider, Rose Rosas, who displayed her own perseverance throughout her time in the saddle. 

As Rosas reflected on her time as the Masked Rider, she was overwhelmed with gratitude and appreciation for the opportunity given to her.  

I’m representing something bigger than myself. I wasn’t born riding horses,” said Rosas. “It’s like Texas Tech’s motto, ‘From Here, It’s Possible.™’”

When Jones takes the reins this season, she will do so atop a new horse. Centennial Champion, who has served Texas Tech for the past four seasons, is retiring as the university welcomes “Matador.”  

“Centennial served the university well during his tenure, but we felt with the celebration now firmly behind us, it was appropriate to go back to Texas Tech’s tradition and history,” said Stephanie Rhode, director of the Texas Tech Spirit Program. 

A change in the saddle also means a change behind the familiar mustache of Texas Tech’s other beloved mascot, Raider Red, which took place during the Passing of Guns ceremony.

Raider Red, clad in the university’s iconic Texas Tech red and black western attire, has been a symbol of Texas Tech spirit since 1971.  

For the past three years, Zach Van Horn and Wayland Damron have been two of the students behind the larger-than-life mascot inspired by the drawings of the late Lubbock cartoonist, Dirk West. 

During their time, both emphasized the importance of personal interactions with the Texas Tech and Lubbock community. 

“I’ll take so much from this experience,” said Van Horn, “especially the impact of simple interactions. I’ve learned how meaningful it is to make people smile and brighten their day. That’s something that I’ll carry with me moving forward.”  

As for Damron, he is thankful for an unforgettable experience.  

“I grew up in Lubbock and always have seen Raider Red out and about,” Darmon said. “When the opportunity arose, I knew that job would be a dream come true for a lifelong Red Raider.”

Head cheer and mascot coach Bruce Bills was elated by the contributions both Van Horn and Damron were able to provide to the program.    

“Zach and Wayland have been outstanding representatives and mascots over these three years,” he said. “I have enjoyed working with them and seeing them grow to make Raider Red come to life for so many people at so many events.