Shelby Winchell knew from an early age that she had a passion for education and the Western industries, coming from an agriculture and rodeo based family in Scottsbluff, Nebraska. Shelby is well aware of the importance of the Western industries to the country as a whole and, after winning a college goat-tying title, she was able to land her dream job as a teacher and coach at the age of 24. This led her to her next big award, to be a recipient of the 2021 COWGIRL Magazine 30 Under 30 award.

“Growing up, I did all the sports - traveling basketball, traveling volleyball, softball, long distance running,” says Shelby, but, in 7th grade she decided to choose a “main passion.” That’s when she really started tying goats and focusing on the rodeo-aspect. Originally just competing in goats and barrel racing, as she added strength and size with age she started to add in roping as well.

“I would not be where I am today without my family,” says Shelby, who shares that her family sacrificed a lot to allow her the opportunities she had. Through a coaching lens, it’s more obvious how unaware you can be about the amazing sacrifices your parents make and, looking back, how much more you can appreciate that. “I wouldn’t have the job, the now traveling rodeo schedule, if it wasn’t for their support in me growing up.”

Listen to Shelby’s episode here!

COWGIRL 30 Under 30 is sponsored by The Cowboy Channel, Wrangler, Montana Silversmiths, Durango Boots, Charlie 1 Horse Hats, and Cavender’s.

Make sure to follow That Western Life on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter so that you can engage with our guests before they come on the show! Read more on the blog at That Western Life.

Listen to Karlee Peterson's episode, Western Sports Round-Up Producer, here!

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