Shaylee Senkel
15-years-old
Ada, Oklahoma
Not your average young lady from Oklahoma. Shaylee takes her goals, activities and passion to the next level. Shaylee’s mom and mentor, Shawna, has instilled the mantra, “If you’re gonna dream – dream BIG”.
The Showman ::
Shaylee and her family run a small group of registered Angus/Red Angus cattle. Their main focus is to breed and raise quality show cattle. Her show career began in 2009 and in 2013 she decided she wanted to start hauling to some major shows. She has been blessed to have several proud moments in the show ring this past year. Her proudest moment was winning Reserve Supreme Influence heifer at the Oklahoma Youth Expo last Spring with the Chi Influence heifer purchased from Buck Cattle Company.
“I knew she was good when I bought her, but she was slow to bloom and I never dreamed we would leave OKC winning such an amazing title. There is nothing like entering the “gateway of champions” for the Grand drive. My adrenalin was pumping and I was just so proud to be in the ring with so many outstanding heifers. I remember thinking how cool it was when the judge slapped Becca Moore’s great maintainer heifer as champion. I was so happy for her, because I had gotten to know her showing with the Buck family. Then when the judge reached for my hand & slapped my heifer I kept thinking this can’t be real,” says Shaylee.
“I have learned so much about myself from the showring and my barn this past year. There were several days I just felt so overwhelmed from being involved in so many activities. It would have been easy to give up or skip out on some of my barn duties. But, I knew I had made a commitment to be better and to do more. Learning to push through the doubts and the pain made me a better showmen and it really helped me in my athletic endeavors as well. When you’re the one putting in the time it really gives you ownership and the confidence you need to be successful in the showring and in life,” says Shaylee.
The Athlete ::
Her competitive drive is evident in all aspects of her life. In addition to showing, she plays high school softball and basketball. Despite a busy show schedule this fall, she was able to earn a starting position at 2nd base and her young team won districts for the first time in several years. She is in the gym six days a week, preparing for what should be a successful basketball season.
The Goal Setter & Goal Getter ::
Shaylee’s mom has always told her, “If your gonna dream, to dream BIG.” Her short term goals would be to maintain good grades, become a better leader on her teams, be a good role model and improve her free throw percentage. Long term goals are to win a major, to win the top points in the Maine division of the OCCA, to win a saddle at the NBHA state finals, and to win the class 4A basketball state championship. She also would love to compete at the IFYR in July. But, her main goal is to always remember to be thankful. “I am so blessed and none of my adventures, abilities, or successes are possible without my Savior. I hope to always give God the glory for my abilities in the show ring, gym, on the field, and in the arena,” says Shaylee.
In addition to athletics and showing Shaylee is also active in her county 4-H chapter, she’s on the officer team and the judging and fitting teams. Another passion is barrel racing, she is currently running two horses, Maui and Spyder. In April she won a state runner-up buckle in the 2D NBHA state finals. “I love my horses and spend a lot of time training them and checking cattle on them,” says Shaylee.
Shaylee is anything from average – exactly the kind of young lady that embraces the Sure Champ – Live It. Love It. Lead It. lifestyle!
