Collegiate Athlete Brylee Braden Looks To Bring The Heat at the WRWC

Southern Arkansas University freshman Brylee Braden looks to bring the heat in the breakaway roping at the Women’s Rodeo World Championship at the historic Cowtown Coliseum May 14-20. Braden, who has been swapping spots with current Challenger Leaderboard leader Rylie Romero throughout the nomination period, will come into the WRWC sitting confidently in second place.

Braden reflected on this comradery and competition for the number one position going into the WRWC, “I wouldn't want to compete for this position with anyone else. Rylie is an outstanding roper and friend, it has been so much fun to compete with her.” The two young guns epitomize what the WRWC’s Challenger Division was created to promote-celebrating athletes at the top of the sport, regardless of their age or rodeo career status. 

The Arkansas native consistently nominated and won at large breakaway ropings throughout the nomination period, clinching major wins at Chris Neal’s Rising Stars Events and Joe Beaver’s Breakaway Ropings- just to name a few. 

Braden expanded on her nomination strategy explaining, “I tried to nominate as many ropings as possible. The opportunity to nominate events I was already attending has been a game changer. The nomination process is what makes the WRWC and WCRA so unique.” 

Looking forward to the upcoming WRWC, Braden explains her game plan won’t change from any other run. “I’ve always had an aggressive mindset regarding my roping. I don't want to play it safe, I plan to give it my all and hopefully, the cards will fall in my favor.”

Braden will be backing into the boxes at the Cowtown Collsium atop her sturdy equine partner “Dibber”, a 6-year-old sorrel who has made quite the impact on her young career. “As soon as I saw him, I knew that he was the one,” Braden said of the then-four-year-old Dibber. “I tried a few horses that day, but on the first calf I ran, I knew he had a lot of heart and try.” 

Braden accredited her gratitude for her family, “My whole family rodeos and has always supported me. From my Dad helping me read scores and cattle, to my Mom helping me plan my rodeo schedule, I wouldn't be anywhere without them.” 

Braden also expressed her gratitude for the WRWC and WCRA, “I am so grateful for these opportunities and to rope at such a prestigious event. This opportunity is huge for women in rodeo and I can't wait to see how it all plays out in a few weeks.”