Brittany Ellis, a Tarleton sophomore studying accounting and finance, is one of 60 barrel racers selected to compete in the 2012 World Barrel Racing Challenge to be held at the Josey Ranch Complex near Marshall, Texas.

The challenge pits 30 of the top barrel racers from the eastern half of the United States against 30 racers from the western states. Ellis will ride with Team USA West the week of May 10-13 as they compete for $50,000 in prize money. The team is by invitation only through a nomination process after considering the contestants’ accomplishments and potential for the teams.

A 2010 honors graduate of Troy High School, Ellis was a two-time High School Rodeo National Finals qualifier, named to the 2008-2009 and 2009-2010 Wrangler National High School Rodeo All-Star Team, Region X All-Around Cowgirl, and was a member of the 2007 and 2009 Texas High School Women’s Rodeo teams that captured national championships in Springfield, Ill. and Farmington, N.M.

Ellis is a member of the Cowboys Professional Rodeo Association, Central Texas Barrel Racing Association, American Cutting Horse Association and National Cutting Horse Association.