Mississippi’s Summer Williams skyrocketed up the Resistol Rookie breakaway leaderboard with big paydays across the Central United States in late July, currently sitting No. 1 with $21,935 won.

For the Cisco Community College student who had to be convinced out onto the ProRodeo trail by her boyfriend Gus Mosley, it’s an interesting turn of events.

Summer Williams’ big summer paydays

• Ogden Pioneer Days, Ogden, UT, 2.0 seconds, $5,422

• Nebraska’s Big Rodeo, Burwell, NE, 2.4 seconds, $2,910

• Kaw Valley Rodeo, Manhattan, KS, 3.0 seconds, $1,128

Originally aiming to make the Great Lakes Circuit Finals—because it’s Mosley’s circuit of choice—19-year-old Williams’ horizons are broadening following her recent success at ProRodeos outside the circuit and her No. 1 Rookie position.

God’s plan

“Now, I’m looking at the Rookie title, and I’m going to try to win it if it’s God’s will,” Williams said.

Williams’ faith in God is a large part of why she started hauling this summer—and kept going.

“I went for long time and couldn’t win anything,” Williams recalled. “I just knew I wasn’t going to Rodeo. Then, I went to Claremore [Oklahoma], and I remember praying, ‘God, if this is something you want me to do, show that to me, and if it isn’t, then I don’t want you to honor it. And I won like, $7,000 that weekend, bought my [WPRA] Card and decided I’m going to try to rodeo to the best of my ability.”

As part of her dedication to God and spreading his message, Williams has embroidered her favorite Bible verse, “John 3:17,” on her rodeo shirts.

“For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.” – John 3:17, NIV

From head loops to neck loops

Originally hailing from the deep South—Perkinston, MS—Williams didn’t have the same breakaway opportunities many Texas and Oklahoma youth do.

“Growing up in the South, there wasn’t many girls that roped,” Williams said. “But my dad, Greg, always made sure I felt included, and he team roped, so that’s actually how I got started roping. I learned to head from him. As I started getting into high school, there was one or two local breakaway jackpots a month, so way different from [Texas] youth.”

When Williams started dating Mosley, he taught her to heel. And while team roping is on the back burner throughout the summer, Williams said she loves to back in the head box during the winter months.

Meet the horses

Williams has two horses in her trailer with drastically different skill sets. The first is 13-year-old gelding “Keeper,” registered as “Pitchforks Rey 11,” who is sired by Dual Smart Rey and out of Shorty Lena mare Pitchforks Lena.

The second is 8-year-old mare “Kali,” registered as “Flashy N Cashy.” Kali is sired by Purdy Boy Flash and out of Smart Mate mare Money Talks Smart.

The bay Keeper gets the call at long scores, with Williams noting he “He never takes my throw away and he puts me in the same spot every single time.”

While sorrel Kali—who Williams purchased from Cody McCartney—is small, fast and “in [Williams’] hand,” making her perfect for short scores.

Currently, Williams is hauling with Shalee King and fellow Great Lakes Circuit competitor Alli Masters.

Resistol Rookie Breakaway Standings as of Aug. 5, 2024