Suzanne Williams has spent years staying close to home, coaching college rodeo and raising her son, but in 2025, she’s proving she belongs on the road to Las Vegas—with a lead in the California Circuit and a shot at the NFBR.
The Lassen Community College rodeo coach and mom to kindergartener Landon has racked up an impressive list of wins this season. She split wins in Redding and Santa Maria, took home victories in Stonyford and Oakdale—setting arena records in both—and snagged second at Clovis.
The hot streak has launched her to No. 12 in the WPRA World Standings with $33,193 won at just 19 rodeos, setting her up for a summer run chasing her first NFBR Qualification.
“I’ve always had that goal in mind, even though I work and coach and have a family,” Williams said. “Last year, my focus was getting into the big winter rodeos. Now, the goal is to capitalize out West and make the Finals.”
Williams leads the California Circuit with $22,245 earned, outpacing her closest challenger by nearly $14,000. She won the circuit back in January [for the 2024 year] and has kept that momentum rolling through spring—now planning a calculated summer campaign with guidance from her husband Dan and longtime friend Cody Jones.
With school out and the college finals no longer on her schedule, Williams is aiming for key rodeos like Vernal, Reno, Nampa and Fallon, skipping Eastern circles like the Dakotas in favor of a tight, productive loop across the Northwest.
Helping her make that run are her two standout horses: Ducker and Solo. Ducker, her main man and short-score pick has matured into her ideal style after years of learning his quirks.
Solo, a 15-year-old calf horse is her “ace in the hole,” owned by husband Dan. He’ll get the nod for bigger setups like Clovis and Cheyenne.
“I’m in a better place all the way across the board,” Williams said. “I’ve gotten to where I can go and not be intimidated. I’m confident, my horses are solid, and I remember that this is supposed to be fun.”
At 42, Williams is proving that experience, strategy and heart can go a long way in a game that’s tougher than ever—and that she’s not just chasing another circuit win. She’s coming for the Super Bowl of breakaway roping.
