story by Kendra Elder
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” -Philippians 4:13
Thirteen-year-old Kamry Davis, from Buffalo, Wyoming, is a junior high rodeo competitor who portrays courage and service to her community. Kamry is the daughter of Kim and Zach Davis. “My parents rodeoed and now run our family ranch.” Kamry explained. She said she is thankful for her parents support and love. “They support me and are with me every step of the way, as well as my three siblings: Kaden (18), Karly (12), and Karson (8).”
Growing up around horses on her family ranch helped Kamry find an understanding for rodeo. Kamry watched her 18-year-old sister (Kaden) rodeo for many years. “I look up to my sister because she always pushes me to be my best.” After years of watching Kaden compete in events, Kamry assured herself she would rodeo one day. “I joined the National Little Britches Rodeo Association when I was eight,” Kamry said, and she loved her experience with the association and hasn’t stopped rodeoing since.
Kamry will be in eighth grade this coming school year at Buffalo Middle School. She is a member of the Wyoming Junior High and High School Rodeo Association. She competes in barrel racing, breakaway, pole bending, goat tying, and ribbon roping. “My favorite event is barrel racing,” Kamry said. “I grew up competing in this event and I enjoy it the most.” Two of Kamry’s role models barrel race. “I look up to Hailey Kinsel Lockwood and Lisa Lockhart,” Kamry said. She enjoys watching them barrel race because they stay dedicated and motivated.
Kamry enjoys rodeoing for the Wyoming Junior High and High School Rodeo Association because everyone is connected. “We help each other out,” Kamry said. “I started rodeoing with them in the 6th grade and I love the people.”
Kamry was awarded the Encouraged, Character, and Community award from the National High School Rodeo Association this spring. Kamry said she was surprised to receive this award. “I did not even know this award existed. I read more about the meaning of the award and then understood why I was a strong candidate,” she added. The award is given to an individual who portrays a helping hand to the rodeo community. Kamry defines showing character, courage, and community service as stepping out of her comfort zone to help whenever she can. “I enjoy helping out when I can and lending a helping hand,” Kamry said. “I was honored.”
Kamry was disappointed when learning that rodeos were canceled due to Covid-19. She would have qualified for three events in the National Junior High and High School Rodeo Finals. “I used this time to get better in my events and grow as an athlete.” she said. Kamry explained that not being on the rodeo trail has helped open her eyes to appreciate the good and bad times. She is focusing on her future goals, which include winning a saddle at nationals.
When Kamry is not rodeoing, she is playing basketball, volleyball, and running track. “I am the setter in volleyball and point guard in basketball,” Kamry said. “I did not get to run track this year because of Covid-19.” She looks forward to competing in these sports again next year. You can also find Kamry helping out on the family ranch.
Kamry exemplifies heart, courage, and dedication. When she is on her horse, on the court, or with her family; she will always be looking for a way to help her ‘team’ out.
“Courage is being scared to death, but saddling up anyway.” -John Wayne
