Sophia

What do they love most about playing their sport(s)?

Team sports are hard, but there isn’t another sport in the world where your teammate is 1200 lbs, doesn’t speak, and goes 32 mph. Rodeo is built on the trust your horse has in you and that is built through hours and hours of time spent together. Sophia’s favorite part of rodeoing is knowing that every run she and her horse make is a result of a trust and bond so deep it’s almost incomprehensible. Sophia knows that her horse gives its all every single run, and that is the most amazing feeling.

Who inspires them—on or off the field—and why?

The person who inspires me the most is my mom. Her strength, resilience, wisdom, and selflessness have shaped me to be who I am today. She has taught me to persevere through challenges, support the people I love, and always work hard towards my goals. Most importantly, she taught me that my words matter, can define who I am, and can alter people’s perceptions of me. I hope to carry her lessons with me throughout my life and become someone she is proud of.

What’s one moment in their athletic journey that makes you proudest?

Sophia has had many wins in the arena, including her 2023 LVGA Champion title in her age group, but the part of her rodeo journey that I am the most proud of is her honor of becoming the first athlete in the Clark County School District to be awarded varsity letter for rodeo. She petitioned the school and the district to include rodeo in the list of activities that should be honored as athletic sports. She opened the door for recognition, not just for herself, but every rodeo athlete after her.