Every Friday afternoon, the energy at UT Elementary School shifts. Fourth and fifth graders rush toward the playground, eyes scanning for their favorite visitors. Suddenly the playground fills with laughter as Texas Cowboys — the University’s oldest men’s organization — join in spontaneous games. But this isn’t just play. It’s mentorship in action, connecting The University of Texas at Austin and its PK-5 laboratory school with UT students who serve as role models.
Founded in 1922, the Texas Cowboys have long been synonymous with tradition and service at UT. They are the guardians of Smokey the Cannon, whose boom echoes across Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium every time the Longhorns score. Yet their impact extends far beyond game days. Since 2023, the Cowboys have become an integral part of UT Elementary, creating a partnership that enriches elementary students while giving University students a master class in leadership and community engagement.
“We love our partnership with UT Elementary because it reflects what being a Texas Cowboy is all about — service, leadership, giving our best, and making a difference,” says Eddie Lopez, executive director of the Texas Cowboy Alumni Association and a 2008 UT graduate. “These students are learning that leadership isn’t just about being in charge. It’s about showing up, being present, consistent, and believing in someone else’s potential. It’s the essence of The Cowboy Way.”
A Partnership Built on Connection
The relationship between the Texas Cowboys and UT Elementary operates on multiple levels, each carefully designed to maximize impact. At its heart is a mentorship program pairing Cowboys with fourth- and fifth-grade boys. The boys are at a pivotal developmental stage when positive role models can make a real difference.
The Cowboys commit to visiting their mentees twice monthly, though most come weekly, carving out time between classes and responsibilities to sit down one-on-one with their assigned student. They talk about everything: school challenges, family, dreams for the future. They help with homework, discuss conflict resolution, and model what it means to set goals and work toward them. For many of the boys, these relationships offer something invaluable: someone who believes in them unconditionally.
“Getting to visit my fourth-grade mentee, Elijah, every other week and hear about everything he’s excited about whether in his classes or outside of school has been one of the highlights of my time as a Cowboy. I believe being a friend to younger individuals can mean so much to both sides of the friendship. I also love being able to step in and help teachers with things like building or cleaning around the classroom so they can focus more on the incredible work they do for their students. As a Texas Cowboy and a Big Longhorn, being able to give back to the Little Longhorn community means the world to me, and I feel so thankful knowing we’re showing the UTES students in small ways what it looks like to be part of the larger UT family.”
– Gavin Michelsen, Business Honors, Class of 2026
Research consistently shows that structured mentoring at this age improves self-esteem, reduces behavioral issues, and strengthens academic resilience. The Cowboys provide more than guidance. They offer a vision of possibility, helping students imagine futures that include college, careers and public service.
“The Texas Cowboys helped give my son the confidence he needed to take on middle school,” said Petra Thompson, whose son Raymond participated in the program for two years. “Having a mentor who believed in him and encouraged him made all the difference.”
Beyond formal mentoring, the Cowboys have established a beloved Friday tradition this year thanks to the Cowboys’ drover, Kevin Lynch. Any Cowboy who has completed background checks and training can drop by during lunch or P.E. to play with students. Through games such as basketball and relay races, college students and elementary kids connect naturally, building trust in low-pressure settings. Children learn teamwork and sportsmanship while seeing themselves reflected in Longhorn role models.
“The Texas Cowboys wouldn’t be what it is without UT Elementary. Looking back on the past year and a half, some of the most fun and fulfilling moments I’ve had in the Cowboys uniform were at UT Elementary. Whether it was seeing my mentee, helping at various events, or just running around at recess, getting the opportunity to commit my time there has been awesome. Many people only see the Cowboys on the field or in the stands at football games, but the real commitment to our University and community happens when we put the hat and chaps on to bring smiles to the faces of the Little Longhorns.”
– Michael Koeth Jr., Economics, Class of 2026
The Cowboys also show up when the school needs them most. They staff the Thanksgiving luncheon, serving meals and chatting with families. They help with annual school events such as Spooktacular during the fall and Bevo Bash during the spring. They assist with Field Days and support special projects. Wherever energy and willing hands are needed, Cowboys answer the call. Their presence reminds the Little Longhorns that UT isn’t some distant institution but an extension of their own educational journey.
Learning Leadership Through Service
For the Cowboys themselves, the partnership offers something equally transformative: real-world leadership experience. Each year, Superintendent Nicole Whetstone appoints two Cowboys to serve as nonvoting members on the UT Elementary School Management Board, with two more serving on the UT Charter School Management Board. The college students must apply for the positions. The Cowboys attend regular board meetings and learn what it means to serve on boards reviewing budgets, discussing strategic initiatives, and observing how educational leaders navigate complex decisions. It is a crash course in governance, public service and leadership, helping them develop skills that will serve them long after graduation.
“As I look back at the time I spent at UT Elementary, I can say that it has brought a great sense of purpose to my experience as a Texas Cowboy. Every time I go to volunteer, I get the chance to step back from the rush of college and focus on giving back in a meaningful way. Whether I am hanging out with my mentee, helping out with the Friday afternoon P.E. class, or even filling in as a science fair judge, I can see the impact we have by just showing up and being present. Seeing the kids’ smiles and their confidence grow has made my experience as a mentor truly feel bigger than myself.”
– Kevin Lynch, Statistics and Data Science, Class of 2026
Looking ahead, the Texas Cowboys and UT Elementary are already imagining what comes next. The first class of mentees will graduate from high school in 2032, and plans are underway for future events that reunite mentors and mentees to celebrate that milestone. These gatherings will be more than reunions — they’ll be proof of the lasting impact of mentorship and community connection. What began as Friday play sessions and guidance in elementary school could inspire college dreams, leadership roles and lifelong friendships.
