story by Kyle Eustice
Lehi, Utah senior Kinsie Lewis, 17, has always looked up her older brother Trevan, who is like her makeshift rodeo coach. Although her father, Shawn Lewis, team roped when she was little and she fell in love with rodeo going to jackpots every weekend, it’s her older brother’s influence that has really helped Kinsie thrive in the rodeo world.
“My brother has a hard job because he has to put up with me,” joked Kinsie. “I love how patient he is. He’s always willing to go out and rope the dummy. He’s a great teacher. He knows all the dynamics of roping really well, so he can sit down and explain it well. It’s amazing.”
Kinsie refers to herself as a “late bloomer.” She didn’t join the UHSRA until her sophomore year of high school, but she’s caught on to team roping and breakaway roping quickly. Even with her mother Jennifer working full time for the Alpine School District and her father working for a heating and air conditioning company, they are still able to help Kinsie make it to her events.
“It’s my last year of high school rodeo, so I want to make the most of it,” said Kinsie. “It’s bittersweet. I do want to go into college rodeo, but I’m hoping my horse Stretch can come along. I’ve had him my whole life.”
Although still a teenager, she has seemed to grasp some important life lessons early on thanks to her rodeo career.
“I love rodeo so much and it’s always been a passion of mine,” said Kinsie.”I love that what you put in is what you get out. The fact you can work hard and know you earned everything you get is incredible. I take steps every day to improve my roping skills. It’s not about the final destination, it’s about the journey. The journey defines you the most.”
While she appreciates all of the buckles and accolades, she’s most proud of her recent win at Herriman Summer Series in the team roping category, which she calls a “shocker.” She’s still careful, however, with how she carries herself, no matter if she wins or loses.
“I think being humble and having a good attitude is the most important characteristic you can have as a rodeo contestant,” explained Kinsie. “You can be amazing in arena, but attitude outside is what defines your character.”
Kinsie aims to surround herself with positive people and great team roping partner, Bronc Marriott, who taught her a lot about good sportsmanship. In the future, she wants to ride in the PRCA events, but until then, she’s going to stay focused on her tasks at hand.
“I want to meet full potential in roping,” said Kinsie. “I would like to influence people and teach younger kids coming into high school rodeo how to have a good attitude, but also to have a good time and be competitive.”
