National Girls and Women in Sports Day is a time to recognize the profound impact that sports have on the lives of women of all ages. From breaking records to carving out spaces for themselves in traditionally male-dominated arenas, women in sports have continuously demonstrated strength, resilience, and skill. This day offers an opportunity to honor these achievements while inspiring future generations to pursue their passions, no matter the challenges they may face.
One female athlete in particular, breakaway roper Macy Young, has dedicated her life to her sport. Young was the winner of her Super Series at RODEOHOUSTON ® in 2024, breaking an arena record with a 2.2 second run. Her journey began at just seven years old, though for her, rodeo was never a choice, but rather a way of life.
“I really just was raised into it,” Young said. “My dad rodeoed my whole childhood, so I traveled around watching him. Honestly, I just didn’t know any different.”
Young’s time on the road with her father taught her that rodeo is just as much about perseverance as it is about skill, weaving in life lessons that carry beyond the arena.
“One thing I have learned is that not every run is roses,” Young shared. “You’re going to win, and you’re going to lose. You can’t be too excited and can’t be too upset with the losses. No matter what happens, keep your head up and keep believing in yourself.”
Over the course of her twenty years in the sport, Young said she’s recognized the evolution of the inclusion of women in Rodeo sports – a journey that has been the catalyst for her success. In 2020, breakaway roping was first included in the National Finals Rodeo (NFR). That same year, she secured her spot in the competition as the number ten qualifier with just $10,000 in earnings. By 2024, her hard work and perseverance paid off, as she once again qualified, this time with an impressive $89,000. While Young is making strides for herself, her goal exceeds her saddle, hoping to make an impact on the sport as a whole.
“It has changed so much in the opportunities we are given, and I am so thankful for that,” Young said. “The NFR isn’t where any of us would like it to be, but everything takes time, it’s coming,” she acknowledges, recognizing the progress and pushing for even greater strides for women in rodeo.
RODEOHOUSTON is a vital part of that progress, with our events paying equal prize money to all its athletes, men and women alike.
Young treasures her memory of last year’s Rodeo, recognizing how important that moment was in her career. “Holding a record is something I cherish very much. Every victory is very special, but honestly, holding a guitar last year with my daughter was one I will never forget”.
Young celebrating her victory with her daughter in the arena
Young’s advice to young female athletes chasing their dreams in rodeo—or any sport—is simple but powerful: “Once you find that one thing you want to do, never give up. Keep pushing. It won’t be easy, but the reward is worth every hardship.”
This National Women in Sports Day, we celebrate Young and the countless other women who demonstrate dedication, resilience, and passion within their sport. These women continue to lead the charge, inspiring future generations of female athletes