Miss Rodeo Kansas 2026
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Appearance
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Miss Teen Rodeo Kansas 2026
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1st Runner up
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2026 MRK Queen Contestants
Shelby Ney ~
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Shelby Ney is the 23-year-old daughter of Merl and Brandy Ney. She grew up on her family’s Angus ranch just south of Russell along with her older sister Shannon. Shelby was actively involved in 4-H and FFA from the age of 5. She enjoyed showing sheep and cattle, was the FFA chapter president her senior year, and earned her state FFA degree. But much to her Dad’s dismay, always wanted a horse. Without him knowing, she saved up her own money, and Annie miraculously showed up at the ranch.
Shelby is currently a student at Fort Hays State University and is working toward her master’s degree in biology. When she is not helping on her family’s ranch you can find Shelby working with her three horses to perfect her riding and roping skills. Shelby is a true believer in the principles of the western way where loyalty, respect for others, honesty and integrity are the basis of every cowgirl’s life. Being a true Kansan and believing God has a plan for everyone, she is super excited to see where the wind will take her next! |
Rebecca Thornton ~ Hepler |
Rebecca Shea Thornton is the 25-year-old daughter of Angela Reed and Ryan Strait. Originally from Concordia, Kansas, she has since made the tiny town of Hepler her home. Her Rodeo Queen journey started when she won the title of NCK Saddle Club Queen in 2018. She then went on to earn the titles of Miss Rodeo Junction City 2019 and Miss CPRA 2024.
When she isn’t working or in school, Rebecca enjoys a multitude of hobbies. She loves spending her free time working on the latest bead or leatherwork piece, going to the gym, or simply curling up on the couch with her three dogs and a good book. Rebecca has two associates degrees, and is currently pursuing a Bachelor's Degree in Marketing. After completing her education, she will seek a career that will allow her to help small western and agricultural businesses reach their full potential. Being someone who doesn’t come from a rodeo background was a challenge, until she realized that this is an excellent way to reach new people and immerse them in the rodeo world and agriculture industries. Experiences like being able to join FFA in high school, to carrying flags at the International Finals Rodeo and being a member of the RODEOHOUSTON Pivot Team has created fond memories and fostered relationships that she knows she can carry with her throughout her life. Her love of education and desire to mentor also leads her back to Cross Trails Rodeo Bible Camp every summer. Her time spent as a volunteer, coach, and dorm mom has made a lasting impression on the way she views her life. She believes she learns just as much from the campers as they do from her. It’s a quote from one of these campers that helps to set the tone for her day to day, “Even though I am tired, I can still be cheerful.” Her Faith is second to none in her life. Through the trials that she has endured, she credits all of her success to her Heavenly Father and will tell anyone that she would not be able to live this life or chase this dream if it wasn’t for His grace and blessings. If there is anything that Rebecca would tell people, it is to “be a light.” The verses of Matthew 5:14-16 states that “you are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in Heaven.” She strives to be an example of showing good in the world, not by the words we say, but by the actions we choose. |
2026 MTRK Contestants
Sofia Kasselman ~ Scott City |
Rodeo is for everyone, and it is our duty as a rodeo family to include and assist the next generation.
Sofia Joy Kasselman is the 17-year-old daughter of Joel and Anya Kasselman of Scott City, Kansas. Being the daughter of an immigrant from Ukraine, being involved in rodeo was not something that was familiar to her family. It was her love of animals and thoughtful mentors in her community that got her involved in rodeo four years ago. Since then, she found her passion and her future in animal care. Sofia is currently an active member of the Southwest Barrel Racing Association, Country Cousins 4-H Club, and the Scott City FFA Chapter, of which she is the Chapter President and a State FFA Degree Recipient. Sofia is also an active member of her church family. She also volunteers giving horse riding lessons and at the Thrift Store in Scott City, Hope’s Closet and Breadbasket. Sofia is sponsored by Miller’s Veterinary Clinic in Scott City, where she also works. She aspires to work in the animal health field in the future. It is important to Sofia that young women understand that being involved in rodeo is attainable for everyone. If chosen to be the next Miss Teen Rodeo Kansas, Sofia looks forward to being a positive role model for young girls and for the sport of rodeo. |
Faith McMannis ~ Canton |
Faith McMannis is proud to call Canton, Kansas, her home. She lives on her family’s cattle ranch, and in addition to helping tend to her family’s cattle and horses, she stays busy at Canton-Galve High School where she is involved in FFA, cross country, basketball, track and field, and student council. Her favorite classes are Animal Science and Agriculture Leadership where she gets to be involved with her school’s FFA chapter in various conferences and competitions. She will serve as the chairperson for the Building Communities committee in the upcoming school year. She also competes in rodeos and recently competed at state finals for the Kansas High School Rodeo Association in team roping. After high school, Faith plans to attend college and study to become an ultrasound technician while competing in either collegiate rodeo or track and field. |
Sarah Nemechek ~ Goodland |
Sarah Nemechek is the 18-year-old daughter of Jerry and Penny Nemechek. She proudly calls Goodland, Kansas, her home and is passionate about rodeo and the values it instills - sportsmanship, determination, and perseverance. Through her years in 4-H and FFA, Sarah has developed a strong foundation in leadership and agriculture. These organizations have helped shape her character and deepened her commitment to serving and leading others with grit and grace. This fall, Sarah will begin her academic journey at Kanas State University, where she will major in Animal Science and compete on the K-State Rodeo Team in barrel racing. Her love for animals and the rodeo lifestyle has inspired her to pursue a career as a veterinarian, with the goal of providing support to rural areas. Outside of school and rodeo, Sarah enjoys spending time outdoors, caring for her animals, and staying active. With strong roots in faith and family, she is dedicated to promoting the western way of life and encouraging people to face challenges with grit and treat others with grace, both in and out of the arena. |
Tessa Watchous ~ Newton
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Tessa Watchous is the 16 year-old daughter of Klee and Jennifer Watchous of Newton, KS. Tessa’s interest in animals began at a very early age. She has exhibited horses, cattle, swine, and rabbits. Tessa is a 6 time Run For A Million qualifier. She competes in NRHA shows across the United States. Tessa is homeschooled and enjoys the flexible schedule it affords so that she is able to achieve her performance horse goals. When she is not on the back of a horse, she enjoys baking, making jewelry, listening to music, and going to barrel races with her sister and cousins. Her mission is to continue Emma Brungardt’s legacy with encouraging people to walk with purpose and teach them that they can make a difference no matter the circumstances. |
2026 MRK Pageant Judges
Marilyn Domer
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In 1980, Tom and Donna Shirley asked Marilyn (Miller) Domer to compete for the first ever title of the Dodge City Roundup queen. Marilyn won the title and went on to become the 1981 Miss Rodeo Kansas. Marilyn grew up in a ranching & feedlot family and has competed in rodeo her entire life. The sport eventually connected her to her husband, Todd, and the two of them passed their love of rodeo onto their daughters. In addition to raising her two daughters, Marilyn also made a career out of her passion for the western industry. Marilyn was a merchandising specialist, store designer and buyer for Roy Frey Western Wear for 25 years. In 2017, Marilyn and her oldest daughter combined their talents to create The Bell Mare Book Company — a company committed to providing rodeo and ranch kids with authentic western books, coloring books, games and more. Today, Marilyn still enjoys running barrels and team roping with her husband. When she is not riding her own horses, she is watching her five grandchildren compete in junior rodeos across Kansas and Oklahoma.
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Ryan Lenz
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Ryan Lenz brings a wealth of experience and a deep appreciation for rodeo culture to the judging panel. A retired firefighter, rancher and leather craftsman, Ryan has previously served as a judge for both Miss Rodeo USA and Miss Teen Rodeo USA, and he values the opportunity to contribute to these meaningful traditions. With a strong eye for character, poise, and authenticity, Ryan enjoys the entire judging process – especially getting to meet the impressive young women who represent the future of rodeo. His background in community service and craftmanship, along with his ongoing involvement in the western lifestyle, makes him a thoughtful and fair judge. |
Hailey (Frederikson) Loven
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Originally from Colorado, Hailey is a proud western lifestyle enthusiast with deep roots in agriculture and rodeo. A first-generation college graduate from Colorado State University, she earned a degree in Animal Science with a minor in Agricultural Business. Her passion for the western industry led to her historic reign as Miss Rodeo Colorado 2020–2021, and later as Miss Rodeo America 2022, promoting her platform “#BeAnAgvocate.” After traveling over 100,000 miles representing the PRCA across the country, Hailey brought her love for the western way of life to The Cowgirl Channel, the first 24/7 network dedicated to women in rodeo. She also launched Gold Crown Coaching, a personal coaching program focused on strategy and self-development, and now serves as a Western Events Representative for Montana Silversmiths. Hailey currently lives in Edmond, Oklahoma with her husband, Lars. Grounded by faith, family, and purpose, she strives to inspire others to pursue their goals with humility and heart. |
