ProRodeo Sports News - December 16, 2022

MISS RODEO AMERICA New Rodeo Royalty

Kennadee Riggs is all smiles after being named Miss Rodeo America 2023 on Dec. 4 at the South Point. Tom Donoghue photo

Arizona’s Kennadee Riggs wins coveted MRA crown

BY TANNER BARTH K ennadee Riggs spent the past year hitting the highway as Miss Rodeo Arizona, headed into 2023 she’ll have a much larger area to represent in the sport of rodeo. On Dec. 4, at the South Point Hotel &Casino in Las Vegas, Riggs was named Miss Rodeo America 2023 after eight days of pageantry with 28 states being represented. Just hours after the coronation she said she’s not sure it’s fully set in yet. “It’s so surreal and I don’t think it’s quite hit me yet,” said Riggs, 22. “I’m just filled with so much excitement that I’m smiling from ear to ear.” Riggs, who is fromQueen Creek, Ariz., currently attends Arizona State University online. She is pursuing a degree in broadcast journalism. She sees the next year as an opportunity to gain real life experience in the field. “It’s a little tricky as a rodeo queen trying to balance school and our schedule, but I’m chipping away at it,” she said. “I’m studying broadcast journalism. I’m loving all these interviews and I’m hoping to go into sports broadcasting too. So, in the rodeo world especially this is just my niche and I love it.”

She is now the 67th woman to wear the crown as Miss Rodeo America and just the fifth from the state of Arizona. The opportunity to wear the crown has a special meaning to Riggs as she honors her family’s western heritage. “My parents always taught me that we are given gifts and talents for a reason, and we need to use them for good,” she said. “You can always use them for prideful reasons, but you’ll be magnified by the Lord if you use them for good. My talents have always lied in connecting with people. “So, I knew as a rodeo queen I could take my passions for the western way of life and my ancestors that date back to before the west was even won and try and make them proud by promoting these things with the gifts and talents that I was given.” And she can’t wait to hit the road as MRA and create connections through the rodeo world from coast to coast. “I keep saying this, but you get to go to so many wonderful events and I’m looking forward to every single one,” Riggs said. “But most of all I’m excited to make connections and friendships with people along the way. “I can’t wait to create friendships with every person that goes into rodeo, whether it’s the fans or the contestants. Also, being able to showcase on social media the good that exists in their hearts.”

ProRodeo Sports News 12/16/2022

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