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Posted On: October 14th 2026, 08:25 pm
One visit with the @fhsurodeo team set Shelby Ney on an unexpected path.
What began as a chance opportunity evolved into a passion for rodeo, leadership, and service, and it ultimately led the Russell native to earn the title of Miss Rodeo Kansas 2027. This fall, she will complete her bachelor's degree in biology while serving as an ambassador for the Kansas rodeo community.
At FHSU, Shelby found ways to combine her passions for science, agriculture, and rodeo. Through academics, research, and involvement with the university's rodeo team, she developed skills and confidence that prepared her for a future in wildlife biology and rodeo leadership.
Rodeo wasn't always part of her plan. After a college friend encouraged her to visit the FHSU Rodeo team, she quickly found her place in the sport. Today, she competes in breakaway roping and barrel racing and occasionally team roping.
Through rodeo, Ney discovered a community rooted in hard work and stewardship. Those values inspired her pursuit of rodeo royalty. As the 2026 Miss Rodeo FHSU, she promoted the university's rodeo program and her teammates' accomplishments. As Miss Rodeo Kansas 2027, she hopes to highlight the impact of rodeo through appearances at events, schools, and nursing homes across the state.
Shelby is no stranger to hard work. Growing up on a cattle ranch outside Russell, she learned how to pull calves and repair fence posts alongside her family.
Although naturally quiet in her youth, Shelby says leadership roles as Miss Rodeo Ellis County, Miss Rodeo FHSU, and now Miss Rodeo Kansas have strengthened her confidence and shown her what she's capable of achieving.
After traveling this next year for engagements as Miss Rodeo Kansas, Shelby hopes to work as a wildlife biologist in the Kansas state park system.
“I’m a firm believer that each and every one of us was put on this earth to be a steward of God’s creation,” she said. “It has always been my goal to understand the world around me as best I can so I can leave my mark on this world by leaving it better than I found it.”
What began as a chance opportunity evolved into a passion for rodeo, leadership, and service, and it ultimately led the Russell native to earn the title of Miss Rodeo Kansas 2027. This fall, she will complete her bachelor's degree in biology while serving as an ambassador for the Kansas rodeo community.
At FHSU, Shelby found ways to combine her passions for science, agriculture, and rodeo. Through academics, research, and involvement with the university's rodeo team, she developed skills and confidence that prepared her for a future in wildlife biology and rodeo leadership.
Rodeo wasn't always part of her plan. After a college friend encouraged her to visit the FHSU Rodeo team, she quickly found her place in the sport. Today, she competes in breakaway roping and barrel racing and occasionally team roping.
Through rodeo, Ney discovered a community rooted in hard work and stewardship. Those values inspired her pursuit of rodeo royalty. As the 2026 Miss Rodeo FHSU, she promoted the university's rodeo program and her teammates' accomplishments. As Miss Rodeo Kansas 2027, she hopes to highlight the impact of rodeo through appearances at events, schools, and nursing homes across the state.
Shelby is no stranger to hard work. Growing up on a cattle ranch outside Russell, she learned how to pull calves and repair fence posts alongside her family.
Although naturally quiet in her youth, Shelby says leadership roles as Miss Rodeo Ellis County, Miss Rodeo FHSU, and now Miss Rodeo Kansas have strengthened her confidence and shown her what she's capable of achieving.
After traveling this next year for engagements as Miss Rodeo Kansas, Shelby hopes to work as a wildlife biologist in the Kansas state park system.
“I’m a firm believer that each and every one of us was put on this earth to be a steward of God’s creation,” she said. “It has always been my goal to understand the world around me as best I can so I can leave my mark on this world by leaving it better than I found it.”
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