Born a Longhorn: Hudson Bennett
Following in his family's footsteps, Cross Country standout Hudson Bennett is leaving his own legacy on the Forty Acres.
Graham Gillespie
9/18/2025
Growing up in Burnet, Texas, Hudson Bennett always knew where he wanted to be. Holding deep family ties to The University of Texas, with everyone on his mom's side of the family attending UT, and his great-grandfather being the Texas Men’s Swimming Coach legend, Tex Robertson. Texas wasn’t just a dream school for Hudson, it was home long before he ever set foot on campus as a student. “Being here is just surreal,” Bennett says. “It’s something I’ve dreamed about since I was a kid.” Hudson remembers watching Texas Football games, seeing the Tower light up, and imagining the chance to don the orange and white. Now, walking across campus as a Longhorn, that vision has become reality.
As a business major in the world-renowned McCombs School of Business, Hudson knew from the start the level of commitment it would take to balance life as a Texas student-athlete. He credits the University for helping him grow in all aspects of life, mentally, physically, and academically. “Discipline, time management, and consistency, it’s required in everything you do here,” he says. “But at the same time, UT gives you every opportunity to succeed.” He sees each day as a chance to get better and push himself toward becoming the best version of who he can be both on and off the track.
A major part of that growth is happening at McCombs, where Hudson has found a community of highly motivated and like-minded students. “Everyone is here for a reason. It’s easier to stay focused when you’re surrounded by people with the same drive and goals as you,” Bennett explains. He speaks highly of his professors and the academic support system that surrounds him, noting these individuals as, “Amazing and genuinely invested in our success.” With industry leaders frequently visiting Texas’ School of Business to recruit bright young minds, Hudson is constantly reminded of the doors UT can open.
On the track, Hudson is chasing big goals. He draws them out, visualizing what he wants to achieve. One of Bennett’s goals is scoring at Nationals, but his impact goes beyond just performance. “I want to be known for more than just how fast I run,” he says. “It’s about making a difference, inspiring others, and building real relationships with my teammates and coaches.” After graduation, Hudson is exploring careers in wealth management or other ways he can support people through financial guidance. No matter where he ends up, his ambitions remain the same: To make a positive impact and continue growing every day.
I want to be known for more than just how fast I run,Hudson Bennett
For the Longhorn Foundation donors who have supported Hudson throughout his time at Texas his message is clear–Thank You. “Coming from a small town like Burnet, opportunities like this don’t come around often,” he says. “I’m so grateful to everyone who’s made it possible for people like me to chase our dreams at UT.” Thanks to the help of the Longhorn Foundation, Hudson is turning his dream into a reality, and he’s just getting started.
