High school senior Hadley Thompson of Yoder, Wyoming, looks to write her name in American Rodeo Championship Weekend history after earning a qualifier position to compete for the historic $2 million bonus.
Thompson, the reigning National High School Finals Rodeo All-Around Cowgirl, Goat Tying and Breakaway Roping Champion, will compete against the top breakaway ropers in the world as she pursues the historic honor.
The 18-year-old Southwest College rodeo commit won the West Regional Qualifier to advance to American Championship Weekend, set for May 22-23 at Globe Life Field, home of the Texas Rangers, in Arlington, Texas.
Taking home a $10,000 winner’s check, the Wyoming cowgirl claimed the title with a 1.79-second run in the final round, securing her spot as one of the last qualifiers headed to Arlington.
Reflecting on her final qualifier run in Las Vegas, Thompson described the progression of her weekend.
“Obviously, it’s the last qualifier, last chance to get to the American for the $2 million, so I definitely knew I needed to be good. I ended up getting in there through the average, and that’s kind of the hardest part, I feel like — getting to Saturday night. Then getting out of Saturday night is the second part. So I was just really grateful that I got it done.”
With a previous American Rodeo qualification on her resume, Thompson acknowledged the competitive field and the high stakes of the final round.
“It is very exciting. Last year I made the American as well, but this year with the $2 million down the line, I think it changes things a little bit. Getting to qualify and win the qualifier is huge. I’m very grateful.”
Next up: the crown jewel of rodeo — the American Rodeo Championship Weekend.
Thompson spoke to the caliber of athletes she’ll be competing alongside.
“You’re up against the best girls in the world, and you have to be on your A game. You can’t really be messing around too much, and it’s very tough. It’s definitely exciting. It adds some excitement to it. Obviously it makes it a little bit tougher competing against the best in the world, but I think it’s very exciting.”
With the life-changing payday within reach, Thompson shared her perspective on the magnitude of the moment.
“I thought about it even before I knew I’d made it, I think anybody who went to any of the qualifiers, that’s all they thought about was the $2 million, for sure. Now that I’ve qualified to Arlington, I’m still three calves away, but it’s very hard not to think about. I think that gives anybody a lot more motivation. You just want it that much more. It would be so exciting to win and just think about how life-changing that could be for anybody in those shoes. It’s crazy.”
As Thompson prepares for Arlington’s showcase of fast times and elite athletes, she will be joined by fellow West Region qualifiers: previous American Rodeo champion Madison Outhier, Fallon Ruffoni, Maddy Jacobs and Sutton Mang.
The West Region qualifiers will compete at American Rodeo Championship Weekend, May 22-23 inside Globe Life Field. For more information or to purchase tickets, please visit here.