Arbon Valley teen rides into state rodeo finals as All Around Cowgirl
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ARBON VALLEY — At just 17 years old, Arbon Valley cowgirl Katelyn Evans already has a list of top accomplishments on the Idaho high school rodeo scene.
This week, she’s proudly representing District 4 at the Idaho High School Rodeo Finals in Pocatello, competing in five events: breakaway roping, pole bending, goat tying, team roping and barrel racing.
Evans, a determined and seasoned competitor, currently serves as president of District 4 High School Rodeo and says she “loves every bit of it.”
Starting at just six years old, rodeo has been part of her life for years. She is supported by her parents, Jake and Brianna Evans, her younger brothers, Travis and Will, and the tight-knit Arbon community. Her horses are cow-broke and trained by her father and family friend Todd Fitch, a respected horse trainer from Arbon.
Evan’s list of rodeo accomplishments is impressive. She won the breakaway event at the state finals in eighth grade and was named All-Around Cowgirl.
As a freshman, she placed second overall at districts and earned the Rookie of the Year buckle at state. Her sophomore year saw her crowned All-Around Cowgirl at districts and win the pole bending event at state, qualifying her for the national stage.
As a junior, she again took home the title of District All-Around Cowgirl.
Despite her success, Evans is quick to acknowledge that the road hasn’t always been easy, offering advice to other upcoming cowgirls and cowboys.
“It’s going to be hard, and it can be a mental struggle,” she said. “Don’t give up. Just keep working your way through.”
That mindset has helped her overcome setbacks and stay focused on her goals. She hopes younger cowgirls and cowboys will remember it as they pursue their own rodeo dreams.
Beyond the competition, Evans says the relationships she’s formed have been one of the most rewarding parts of rodeo.
“I’m grateful for all the lifelong friends I’ve made through rodeo and for the rodeo parents who’ve cheered me on from the very beginning,” she said.
Following her senior year at American Falls High School, Evans hopes to earn a full-ride scholarship to college. She aims to become a nurse while continuing to compete in college rodeo.
“I want to go to college to become a nurse, but to compete in college rodeo along the way,” she said.
As she rides into this week’s finals in Pocatello, Evans is showing the grit, heart, and dedication that have made her a shining star in Idaho’s high school rodeo community—and a role model for others following in her boot steps.
This year’s Idaho High School State Finals Rodeo is underway at the Bannock County Event Center in Pocatello from June 7 to June 14, drawing top young cowboys and cowgirls from across the state.
The action-packed week features events including bareback and saddle bronc riding, bull riding, calf roping, steer wrestling, and barrel racing. Keep up to date on all the rodeo action here: IHSRAIdaho.com.com