story by Holly Wilson
Sammy Taylor is a senior at Union High School, and competes for her district in the team roping, breakaway, barrel racing, goat tying, and pole bending.
She started rodeoing at a young age, with the help of her dad.
“I started rodeoing around five years old,” Sammy said. “My dad hauls me everywhere and helps me improve.”
Her step-mom and sister Rylee also travel with her on the rodeo road, and serve as a support system in the practice pen as well.
“I practice like I play, and try my hardest to get my mind in the right place in the practice pens throughout the week,” she said.
This determination has paid off throughout her rodeo career.
“My eighth grade year, I was the Utah Junior High State All-Around Champion,” Sammy said. “I took four events to Nationals, and ended up sixth in the nation in the breakaway roping.”
This year, Sammy finished the season as the Utah High School Rookie of the Year. She accumulated 212.5 points over the year, and earned points in barrel racing, breakaway, goat tying, pole bending, and team roping.
Her horses, Clown, Waylon, and Tuff, accompanied her throughout the year and made her achievement possible.
Sammy also hopes to take them to college with her in the future.
“I plan on finishing out high school competing in rodeos and with the High School Rodeo Association,” she said. “I would love to get a scholarship and college rodeo after I graduate!”
Outside of rodeo, Sammy is a part of the Union High School basketball team, where she is a starting point guard.
Her competitive spirit is encouraged by her dad, mom, and stepmom.
“I’d like to thank them for pushing me to become a better person inside and outside of the arena,” she said.
She keeps level throughout her practice and competition schedule, and has a piece of advice for her fellow competitors.
“Don’t let a win go to your head or a loss go to your heart.”
