While most couples share common interests, being born into them is a little more rare. But that’s the case for Michael and Carlee Otero, who both have rodeo running through their veins.

Carlee Otero’s parents competed in events throughout her youth, and her husband, Michael Otero, is the son of a roper.

For many families, rodeo is a way of life, defining traditions and spanning generations. The Oteros are one of several dozen legacy families that compete in the Tucson Rodeo each year.

Carlee Otero’s mother, Danita Walker, was well-known for her accomplishments in barrel racing and roping. Competing in Nevada, she earned recognition throughout her youth and high school years.

Walker exposed Carlee Otero to the sport at an early age, and this deep and nearly lifelong connection to rodeo is something she now shares with her husband.

Michael Otero showcased his skills in tie-down roping during Sunday’s events, scoring the fastest time of the day.

“Competing in Tucson brings out more of the ranch-style cowboy to me than it does the rodeo cowboy, because it’s a lot more difficult to compete in the setup of the arena, so it falls into my realm of where I would rather be competing,” he said.

While Michael’s run was a success, Carlee had a more challenging time in her event. After hitting a barrel, she received an automatic penalty that landed her in last place.

The 2024 National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas this past December marked a major milestone for Carlee Otero, with her return following a 10-year break.

“In those 10 years, we were searching, training, and going through horses,” she said. “And in the midst of that, we had two little boys… and it all fell together.”

The NFR is the most prestigious event in professional rodeo, and Carlee Otero competed with a fractured pelvis after getting kicked in the fifth round. Despite the injury, she placed in six out of 10 rounds, earning $148,552 in prize money.

“Being there to compete is always a dream,” she said. “That's our favorite rodeo, that's everybody's goal to get there, and so I just took every run in and enjoyed every bit of it.”

The Oteros’ dedication and shared passion for the sport has earned them the respect of the rodeo community.

But it’s also taught them valuable lessons about life, Carlee Otero said.

“Anything is possible (if you) work hard, stay focused, and don’t let the outsiders deter you from your goals,” she said.

A mother of five, Carlee Otero describes life on the road with her family as a traveling circus. And since her children are being raised in the rodeo circuit, she suspects they’ll take up the sport themselves, one day, just like she and her husband.

After wrapping up their run in Tucson, the Oteros are on their way to Texas, where they’ll compete in rodeos in San Antonio, Houston, and Austin. Both Carlee and Michael are hoping to make it to the NFR this year.

“Just stay hooked and keep going, as long as we're still winning enough money to stay out on the road,” Carlee Otero said. “That's the goal.”

Isabela Gamez is a University of Arizona alum and Tucson Spotlight reporter. Contact her at gamezi@arizona.edu.

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