story by Lindsay Humphrey
When Brayley Frazier was crowned the 2020-2021 Miss Kansas High School Rodeo Queen in early July, she only had three weeks to prepare to compete at nationals. Not only did Brayley manage to place in the top ten overall, she was also in the top five in several categories. One of those being her favorite: speech. “I was really proud of my speech and wanted to show my state what being a rodeo queen is all about. The entire back row of the speech room was full of Kansas kids,” said the 18-year-old fondly. Hailing from Cimarron, Kansas, Brayley is determined to fill her senior year with experiences of a lifetime and she’s already well on her way to fulfilling that goal.
“Competing at nationals was one of the best experiences I’ve ever had in my life. I met 39 girls from all across America.” Brayley remembers the moment when she finally shed tears during her nationals experience. She was holding her top ten buckle in front of the backdrop when a bundle of flowers caught Brayley’s eye, then a flood of emotions hit her. “My grandparents weren’t able to come to nationals because of COVID-19, but my mom (Hayley) was there for me. By the end of nationals, I had more than just one family member there supporting me because everyone from my state really came together for me.” That bouquet of flowers was held by the KHSRA state president, Jim Boy Hash.
“I grew up around Jim Boy watching his rodeo program at Garden City Community College. He’s been one of my biggest supporters.” Encouragement comes from all directions for Brayley. Perhaps it’s her bubbly, outgoing personality that draws those people in or it could be that there are just that many people in the KHSRA willing to build up the competitors. “Buddy and Suzan Adams have been amazing to me also, they’re a huge part of the KHSRA.” Serving as both rodeo queen and a student director for the calf roping, Brayley was a bit nervous about her new roles, but Buddy is always willing to help guide her through it.
Back home, Brayley’s grandparents–Pam and Phil Frazier–have played a significant role in her forming her rodeo career. “I’m super blessed to have my grandparents in my life. My grandpa stepped in and filled a role that he definitely didn’t have to.” One of Brayley’s favorite questions from the national contest was who do you compete in this contest for and why. “Everything I do in rodeo is for my grandpa, he’s shown me what it means to be responsible and driven. Without him, I wouldn’t have been able to conquer nationals.” Although her grandpa doesn’t attend many rodeos, he’s always the first to call after a run. “My grandma is my favorite hauling partner. She comes with me when my mom can’t go.”
Before her love for all things rodeo truly blossomed, Brayley grew up in competitive cheerleading. “That was my first sport love, but then I realized that my heart belonged in the arena with my rodeo family.” As Brayley makes plans for her future, she wants to stay close to her roots in rodeo and agriculture. “I’m thinking I would like to pursue a degree in business and maybe do event coordinating for events like the NFR.” As far as rodeo goes, Brayley intends to keep her foot in the door. “I don’t think I will ever not have horses in my life; I would love to have my kids rodeo. There’s a lot that comes out of the Western way of life that I feel many kids are missing these days.”
