NFBR: Witnessing History at the South Point
By Dee Yates, Publisher, Ropers Sports News
Photographer: Clay Guardipee
In my years covering stories, I’ve witnessed countless remarkable moments, but nothing quite prepared me for what I experienced at my first National Finals Breakaway Roping this December. The atmosphere at the South Point Arena wasn’t just electric—it was revolutionary.
Standing there, watching these incredible athletes prepare behind the chutes, I couldn’t help but think about the magnitude of what we’re witnessing. This isn’t just competition; it’s a movement. The kind of movement that changes our sport forever, much like what we saw in the early days of barrel racing.

I had the privilege of speaking with Sharon Camarillo, who painted a vivid picture of those pioneering days when barrel racers first fought for equal representation and pay. “What we’re seeing today with breakaway roping mirrors our journey,” Sharon shared, her eyes bright with emotion. “The unity among these women, the way they lift each other up—it’s exactly what we needed back then to succeed, and it’s what’s driving this sport forward now.”
That solidarity was on full display behind the chutes. Between runs, I watched competitors exchanging not just high-fives but genuine embraces, sharing tears of joy and words of encouragement. The scene brought a lump to my throat: Martha Angelone celebrating Kelsie Domer’s success despite their fierce competition, seasoned veterans mentoring newcomers, and an unshakeable sense that everyone there knew they were part of something bigger than themselves.
The crowd’s energy told its own story. Handmade signs dotted the arena, many clearly crafted with love by young girls who now see a future for themselves in professional rodeo. When Kelsie Domer received that standing ovation after her final run—even following a miss—it spoke volumes about the deep connection between these athletes and their supporters. This wasn’t just about competition; it was about recognition, respect, and the realization of long-held dreams.

And speaking of dreams realized, my heart swelled with hometown pride watching Rylee George. Our District 5 CHSRA alumna from Oakdale, California, didn’t just compete—she dominated with those blazing 1.7-second runs to claim the Betty Gayle Cooper Ratliff Fast Time award. Rylee’s success represents everything we hope for our young athletes: dedication, grace under pressure, and the ability to shine on the biggest stage.
The level of camaraderie I witnessed among these breakaway ropers surpassed anything I’ve seen in my years covering rodeo. Even the tightest-knit bull doggers’ groups can’t compare to the bonds these women have forged. They understand that their unity today paves the way for future generations, just as the barrel racing pioneers did decades ago.
This sense of purpose was perfectly captured in a moment I observed before the final round. A young girl, clutching her rope and wearing a shirt covered in competitor autographs, watched wide-eyed as Jackie Crawford took time to share some words of encouragement. In that interaction, I saw the past, present, and future of our sport converge.
As these athletes push for their rightful place at the Thomas & Mack, their grassroots support grows stronger. The standing-room-only crowds at South Point weren’t just spectators—they were part of a movement, understanding that their presence and passion help write the next chapter in rodeo history.
Kelsie Domer’s historic tenth world title and first ProRodeo gold buckle serves as a powerful milestone in this journey. But as I reflect on those two days in December, I realize the true story isn’t just about who won—it’s about a community of athletes and supporters coming together to elevate their sport to new heights.
To everyone who has supported breakaway roping’s journey to the professional stage: your dedication is creating opportunities that will resonate for generations to come. And to our readers who have followed this journey through the pages of Ropers Sports News: thank you for being part of this historic moment in rodeo history.
The road to the Thomas & Mack may still stretch ahead, but after witnessing the heart, talent, and unity displayed at this year’s Finals, I have no doubt these remarkable athletes will get there. And when they do, we’ll all be able to say we were part of the movement that made it happen.

First round: 1. Rylee A. George, 1.80 seconds, $6,197; 2. Taylor Munsell, 1.90, $5,128; 3. (tie) Martha Angelone and Josie Conner, 2.10, $3,526 each; 5. Maddy Deerman, 2.20, $1,923; 6. (tie) Kelsie Domer and Shelby Boisjoli-Meged, 2.40, $534 each; 8. (tie) Macy Young and TiAda Gray, 2.5 each; 10. Jordan Jo Hollabaugh, 2.6; 11. Jackie Crawford, 2.8; 12. Rickie Fanning, 3.2; 13. Kendal Pierson, 4.0; 14. Danielle Lowman, 11.9; 15. Hali Williams, NT.
Second round: 1. Macy Young, 1.90 seconds, $6,197; 2. Josie Conner, 2.00, $5,128; 3. Jackie Crawford, 2.10, $4,060; 4. Rickie Fanning, 2.20, $2,991; 5. (tie) Martha Angelone and TiAda Gray, 2.60, $1,496 each; 7. (tie) Maddy Deerman and Kelsie Domer, 2.8 each; 9. Kendal Pierson, 2.9; 10. (tie) Shelby Boisjoli-Meged and Rylee A. George, 3.2 each; 12. Jordan Jo Hollabaugh, 3.3; 13. (tie) Hali Williams, Danielle Lowman and Taylor Munsell, NT.
Third round: 1. Kelsie Domer, 1.90 seconds, $6,197; 2. Hali Williams, 2.00, $5,128; 3. (tie) Martha Angelone, Shelby Boisjoli-Meged and Macy Young, 2.10, $2,991 each; 6. Maddy Deerman, 2.30, $1,068; 7. TiAda Gray, 2.5; 8. Kendal Pierson, 2.7; 9. Jackie Crawford, 11.9; 10. Rylee A. George, 12.00; 11. (tie) Taylor Munsell, Jordan Jo Hollabaugh, Danielle Lowman, Rickie Fanning and Josie Conner, NT.
Fourth round: 1. Hali Williams, 1.90 seconds, $6,197; 2. (tie) Taylor Munsell, Jackie Crawford and Rylee A. George, 2.00, $4,060 each; 5. (tie) Danielle Lowman, Martha Angelone and Shelby Boisjoli-Meged, 2.10, $997 each; 8. (tie) Macy Young and Josie Conner, 2.2 each; 10. Rickie Fanning, 2.3; 11. Kelsie Domer, 2.4; 12. (tie) Maddy Deerman and Jordan Jo Hollabaugh, 2.5 each; 14. TiAda Gray, 2.9; 15. Kendal Pierson, 12.0.
Fifth round: 1. (tie) Danielle Lowman and Rylee A. George, 1.70 seconds, $5,662 each; 3. (tie) Josie Conner and Hali Williams, 1.80, $3,526 each; 5. (tie) Kendal Pierson and Macy Young, 2.00, $1,496 each; 7. Jordan Jo Hollabaugh, 2.2; 8. Jackie Crawford, 2.4; 9. Kelsie Domer, 2.9; 10. TiAda Gray, 3.0; 11. Maddy Deerman, 3.5; 12. (tie) Shelby Boisjoli-Meged, Taylor Munsell, Rickie Fanning and Martha Angelone, NT.
Sixth round: 1. Martha Angelone, 1.90 seconds, $6,197; 2. Jordan Jo Hollabaugh, 2.10, $5,128; 3. Rickie Fanning, 2.40, $4,060; 4. Kelsie Domer, 2.70, $2,991; 5. Hali Williams, 3.20, $1,923; 6. Rylee A George, 3.50, $1,068; 7. Shelby Boisjoli-Meged, 11.9; 8. Josie Conner, 12.1; 9. (tie) Kendal Pierson, Jackie Crawford, Danielle Lowman, Taylor Munsell, TiAda Gray, Maddy Deerman and Macy Young, NT.
Seventh round: 1. Danielle Lowman, 1.90 seconds, $6,197; 2. Jackie Crawford, 2.20, $5,128; 3. (tie) Kelsie Domer and Martha Angelone, 2.30, $3,526 each; 5. TiAda Gray, 2.50, $1,923; 6. Macy Young, 2.90, $1,068; 7. Jordan Jo Hollabaugh, 12.2; 8. (tie) Rylee A. George, Hali Williams, Shelby Boisjoli-Meged, Taylor Munsell, Maddy Deerman, Josie Conner, Kendal Pierson and Ricky Fanning, NT.
Eight round: 1. Rylee A George, 1.70 seconds, $6,197; 2. (tie) Josie Conner and Hali Williams, 1.80, $4,594 each; 4. Kelsie Domer, 1.90, $2,991; 5. (tie) Jackie Crawford, Kendal Pierson and Shelby Boisjoli-Meged, 2.00, $997 each; 8. (tie) TiAda Gray and Maddy Deerman, 2.2 each; 10. Martha Angelone, 2.3; 11. (tie) Jordan Jo Hollabaugh and Macy Young, 2.4 each; 13. (tie) Taylor Munsell, Danielle Lowman and Rickie Fanning, NT.
Ninth round: 1. Hali Williams, 1.90 seconds, $6,197; 2. (tie) Macy Young and Kendal Pierson, 2.10, $4,594 each; 4. (tie) Josie Conner and Shelby Boisjoli-Meged, 2.30, $2,457 each; 6. Kelsie Domer, 2.70, $1,068; 7. Rickie Fanning, 3.7; 8. Rylee A. George, 3.8; 9. Jordan Jo Hollabaugh, 12.0; 10. (tie) Taylor Munsell, Danielle Lowman, Martha Angelone, TiAda Gray, Maddy Deerman and Jackie Crawford, NT.
Tenth round: 1. Martha Angelone, 1.80 seconds, $6,197; 2. Hali Williams, 1.90, $5,128; 3. (tie) Shelby Boisjoli-Meged, Jackie Crawford and Kendal Pierson, 2.00, $2,991 each; 6. Josie Conner, 2.10, $1,068; 7. TiAda Gray, 2.3; 8. Jordan Jo Hollabaugh, 3.5; 9. Macy Young, 12.0; 10. Rickie Fanning, 12.3; 11. Kelsie Domer, Rylee A. George, Taylor Munsell, Maddy Deerman and Danielle Lowman, NT.
Average: 1. Kelsie Domer, 22.0 seconds on nine runs, $16,914; 2. Macy Young, 30.1, $13,722; 3. Jordan Jo Hollabaugh, 42.8, $10,850; 4. Martha Angelone, 17.2 seconds on eight runs, $7,978; 5. TiAda Gray, 20.5, $5,744; 6. Josie Conner, 26.4, $4,149; 7. Jackie Crawford, 27.4, $2,872; 8. Shelby Boisjoli-Meged, 28.0, $1,596; 9. (tie) Kendal Pierson and Rylee A. George, 29.7 each; 11. Hali Williams, 14.5 seconds on seven head; 12. Maddy Deerman, 15.5 seconds on six head; 13. Rickie Fanning, 26.6; 14. Danielle Lowman, 17.6 on four head; 15. Taylor Munsell, 3.9 seconds on two head.
World Standings: 1. Kelsie Domer, $168,758; 2. Martha Angelone, $165,505; 3. Josie Conner, $165,046; 4. Shelby Boisjoli-Meged, $160,729; 5. Jackie Crawford, $157,107; 6. Taylor Munsell, $143,686; 7. Macy Young, $121,099; 8. Hali Williams, $118,983; 9. Maddy Deerman, $117,389; 10. Daniell Lowman, $112,355; 11. Rylee A. George, $106,641; 12. Rickie Fanning, $105,559; 13. Kendal Pierson, $99,137; 14. Jordan Jo Hollabaugh, $95,235; 15. TiAda Gray, $93,110.
Total payoff: $277,500. Rodeo secretary: Eva Chadwick. Officials: Bobby Davis, Justin Lindquist, Ron Howard, Chris Horton and Monty Van Komen. Timers: Cindy Rosser and Cindy Gillespie. Announcers: Steve Kenyon and Bob Tallman. Specialty acts: Jennifer Nicholson, Kate & Tera Flitton and Ky Clark. Pickup man: Cody Kidd. Photographer: Clay Guardipee. Music director: Austin Lopeman.