Linsay Rosser-Sumpter
-The Commissioner is in!
Written and Photographed by Dee Yates
Linsay Rosser-Sumpter’s journey from a devoted California cowgirl to one of the most influential voices in women’s rodeo exemplifies the power of staying true to your roots while embracing change. As the Commissioner of the Women’s Rodeo Championships, she’s transforming the landscape of professional rodeo, ensuring future generations of cowgirls have opportunities she once only dreamed of.
Growing up in California’s rich ranching tradition, Linsay developed deep roots in the Western way of life. Her time at Cal Poly proved transformative, laying the foundation for a career that would eventually reshape women’s rodeo. The university’s “Learn by Doing” philosophy resonated deeply with her approach to both competition and leadership, preparing her for the challenges ahead.
“I’m a big time California girl,” Linsay proudly declares, carrying forward a legacy that runs deep in the Golden State’s rodeo history. Her roots in the sport stretch back to her legendary grandfather, Cotton Rosser, known throughout the rodeo world as the “King of the Cowboys.”
Cotton Rosser’s impact on the sport of rodeo was nothing short of revolutionary. A Cal Poly alumnus himself (Animal Husbandry ’52), he transformed rodeo into the spectacular event it is today through his Flying U Rodeo Co. in Marysville, California. After a ranch accident ended his competitive career, Cotton purchased the Flying U in 1956, going on to produce more than 3,000 rodeo events. His innovations – from patriotic flag presentations to pyrotechnics – became industry standards, earning him spots in both the ProRodeo Hall of Fame and the Hall of Great Westerners at the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum.
The Rosser family’s dedication to rodeo and education runs generations deep at Cal Poly. Following in Cotton’s footsteps, Linsay graduated with a degree in Agricultural Science in 2006, joining a proud line of Rosser alumni that includes her dad Lee, mother Bonnie, uncles Brian, and “Reno” David, Aunt Katharine, and brother Levi. This legacy was honored in 2021 when Cal Poly renamed its facilities the Cotton Rosser Rodeo Complex, recognizing Cotton’s enduring impact on the sport until his passing in June 2022 at age 93.
Today, Linsay shares her passion for rodeo with her two boys: Lindon “Turkey” Lee, age 8, and Weston Richard, 10. Social media followers know “Turkey” through his daily adventures, where he transforms from Daniel Boone to World War II soldier, always accompanied by his faithful dog and dreams of flying airplanes. These moments of family life ground Linsay’s larger mission in the personal connections that make rodeo special.
After graduating from Cal Poly, Linsay took a bold step, accepting a position in PR and marketing with the Professional Bull Riders (PBR) in Pueblo, Colorado. This move, initially intended as a trial run in her future husband Wade’s home state, opened doors she never imagined. By 2009, she had married Wade and launched a rodeo program at
Otero College, where she would serve as head coach for 15 years before transitioning to full-time agriculture business management faculty in August 2023.
January 2022 marked a pivotal moment when Linsay stepped into her role as Commissioner of the Women’s Rodeo World Championship, following crucial conversations with industry leaders Bobby Mote, Scott Davis, and Sean Gleason. Under her guidance, the championship has become the largest all-female rodeo globally, with over $800,000 in payouts planned for the 2025 finals.
“I don’t ever want my son’s wives to say that they had to quit after college because there wasn’t a chance for them to make money,” Linsay reflects, her voice carrying the weight of personal experience. “I’m of that generation where college rodeo was over, we were done roping. We could run barrels, but this six-foot body is not a barrel racer.”
The championship’s structure reflects Linsay’s commitment to inclusivity, featuring pro, challenger, and limited divisions. “We’re trying to build this umbrella of sisterhood where everybody can come together,” she explains. “It doesn’t matter if you’re a 3D-4D barrel racer or you’re Hailey Kinsel and you’re one of the best in the world.”
Beyond the arena, Linsay serves on the Ag Advisory Committee for the Coffee Break Project, addressing rural stress and suicide awareness in agricultural communities. Her contributions to Western sports were recently recognized with the Grit Award from the Western Sports Foundation, though she humbly insists she hasn’t “done enough yet to be getting awards.”
Working alongside rodeo icon Pam Minick, whom Linsay calls “the fairy godmother of Women’s Rodeo Championship,” and her director of operations Sami Jo Smith, Linsay continues to innovate. The championship’s Pam Minick Lifetime Achievement Award, which saw Reba McEntire as its second recipient, exemplifies their commitment to honoring the sport’s legacy while building its future.
The future of women’s rodeo has never looked brighter, thanks in part to Linsay’s leadership. Her work ensures that the next generation of cowgirls won’t have to choose between their passion and their livelihood. The program’s nomination system allows competitors to qualify through events they’re already attending, recognizing the value of their time and the realities of balancing competition with family life.
“Our industry is not big enough to compete against each other. We need to work together,” Linsay emphasizes, highlighting her vision for unity in the sport. This philosophy has led to groundbreaking partnerships, including a recent collaboration with NIRA to include goat tying in the championship, providing collegiate athletes a professional pathway in their event.
For Linsay Rosser-Sumpter, this isn’t just about rodeo—it’s about preserving a way of life, building a legacy, and ensuring that every cowgirl has the opportunity to chase her dreams. Through her leadership, determination, and unwavering commitment to the sport, she’s not just moving the needle; she’s redefining what’s possible for women in rodeo, one breakthrough at a time.
