Land of 9000 Arenas
April/May 2025
I’ve always believed there’s something special about Arizona in February. The desert air feels gritty, warm and full of electricity, and Wickenburg pulses with the kind of wild fun you can only find when ropers gather. This winter, I dove headfirst into what felt like team roping heaven.
The moment I pulled into town, the welcome was immediate. Barbara, John, and Maryanne Miller took me in like family, showing this California girl what Arizona hospitality really means. After the Millers, I landed at Pake and Tess Younger’s ranch, where something pretty amazing happens every day. Ropers from all over the country come together, practicing, laughing, sharing stories, and genuinely supporting each other. It wasn’t just about getting better with a rope – it was about belonging to something bigger than ourselves.
Wickenburg truly is the land of 9,000 arenas. Almost everyone has their own practice space, but what struck me was how these private arenas transform into community gathering spots. I watched seasoned pros giving pointers to newcomers, weekend warriors throwing loops alongside champions, all while someone’s got coffee brewing nearby. This daily ritual stitches the community together in ways I’ve never seen before.
My camera didn’t catch a break as I traveled across Arizona photographing 35 incredible women for my upcoming book, “Cowgirl Culture: Arizona.” The follow-up to the California edition reveals such a different landscape – harsh in its beauty, demanding in its terrain. There’s something about Arizona’s rugged backdrop that perfectly frames the grit and grace of cowgirl life.
This issue of Ropers Sports News celebrates people who embody that spirit without compromise. Linsay Rosser-Sumpter has transformed the Women’s Rodeo World Championship with quiet determination and unwavering vision. She hasn’t just created opportunities – she’s completely shifted what women can expect from this sport. The path she’s carved will benefit generations of cowgirls to come.
Then there’s Ty Yost. What he’s done with Team Roping promotions has turned Wickenburg into the undisputed capital of our sport. The Title Fights weren’t just well-attended – they were electric. Standing in those arenas, you could feel the sport growing, evolving, and thriving.
The Art of the Cowgirl Event at Rancho Rio hit me right in the heart. Watching this gathering of tough, talented women from across the country, I kept thinking how proud Tammy would be to see her vision flourishing like this.
Having my son along for this journey made it even more meaningful. Homeschooling gave us the freedom to hit the road together, and watching him rope at various arenas including his favorited Dynamite Arena – where he found some luck – well, that’s the kind of moment that stays with you. (Check out page 36 to see this proud mama’s favorite shots!)
As spring calls me back to California’s green hills, I’m already planning next winter’s return to Arizona. The chance to share these stories on Tracy Hammond’s Wild Ride TV and the Cowboy Channel feels like a gift – a way to spread the word about this way of life we cherish.
None of this happens without my behind-the-scenes crew – what I affectionately call my “underground girl gang.” These women pour their hearts into Ropers Sports News, believing in our mission with the same passion I do.
Coming home also means reconnecting with the Frogtown Rodeo and the Live Like Lilly scholarship program. Honoring that remarkable young woman while supporting emerging rodeo athletes keeps me grounded in what matters most. (see page XX)
In this incredible moment for our sport, I promise to keep telling our stories honestly – through words, photos, and video. My door is always open to anyone moving team roping forward.
From the bottom of my heart, thank you to everyone in Arizona who welcomed me, shared their coffee and their stories. We’re just getting started.
With grit and grace,
Dee Yates
