Faith, perseverance, purpose — Emeree Tavegie captures Wyoming state pole-bending title

For Emeree Tavegie, this year’s high school rodeo season was about far more than winning a championship. It became a testament to perseverance, faith and trusting God’s plan through every challenge. 

After suffering a knee injury, many athletes would have questioned whether they could return to competition at the same level.

Tavegie chose a different mindset. Rather than dwelling on her injury, she made a conscious decision to put it behind her. She refused to let fear dictate her season, trusting that God would take care of the rest. 

“I just shoved it to the back of my mind and went on with my life like normal,” she said. “God would take care of me, so I had no need to worry.”
The only moment that truly tested her confidence came before the spring season even began. 

Tavegie chose to miss the first rodeo so she could attend prom, a decision she knew could impact her standings. 

While celebrating with friends, the missed opportunity lingered in the back of her mind. She knew every point mattered and that she would need to return focused and ready to compete. 

Throughout the season, Tavegie consistently remained among the top competitors in Wyoming. She understood there was little room for mistakes, especially with the 2026 Wyoming State High School Finals Rodeo carrying one and a half times the normal point value. With points awarded across three rounds and an overall average, as many as 60 points were available during the championship weekend — enough to completely change the standings. 

Despite the pressure, Tavegie simplified her focus. 

Her goal was not to obsess over points or rankings but simply to qualify and perform to the best of her ability. She relied on the countless hours she had spent practicing and trusted that the outcome rested in God’s hands. Competing in multiple events also strengthened her season. 

Along with pole bending, she competed in breakaway roping and team roping alongside her partner, and older brother, Coen. Having success in several events motivated her to work even harder, knowing pole bending could provide valuable points if another event didn’t go as planned. 

Her resilience throughout the season came as no surprise to those closest to her. 

As an eighth-grader, Tavegie qualified for the National Junior High School Finals Rodeo in both pole bending and breakaway roping. She finished fifth in the world in pole bending while competing against 158 contestants and won her first rodeo with a time of 21.001 seconds. 
Her success continued into high school. 

As a freshman, she qualified for the National High School Finals Rodeo, an accomplishment few freshmen achieve. Entering nationals as Wyoming’s second-place qualifier, she won her first performance with a blistering 20.196 second run before finishing sixth in the world against more than 175 competitors. 

This season, however, may be her most memorable yet. 

Despite recovering from a knee injury, Tavegie not only returned to competition but captured the Wyoming State Championship in pole bending while continuing to compete in breakaway roping and team roping. 

Her determination to never let adversity define her became one of the season’s defining stories. 
Those who know Tavegie best say her accomplishments are matched only by her character. 

Her mother, Kelli Tavegie, says that although the championships and national appearances have created unforgettable memories, she is most proud that her daughter has remained humble through every success. 

“She doesn’t let any of it go to her head,” her mother said. “She always remembers that God is calling the shots,” Kelli said.

That unwavering faith has become the foundation of Tavegie’s success.

While championship buckles and national qualifications may highlight her resume, they do not define it. 

Instead, it is her resilience, humility and trust in God’s plan that have shaped her journey.  For Tavegie, the greatest victories have never been measured solely by points or placings. They have been found in overcoming adversity, remaining faithful through uncertainty and inspiring others by proving that true success begins long before the arena gate opens.

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