Shada Cline is the kind of teenager every parent hopes for—an excellent student who actually enjoys studying, a leader in her church youth group, and a breakaway roper you don’t want to draw against.
But if you do, and she takes your money, she’ll do it with such quiet determination and genuine humility that you probably won’t even mind.
At 15, Cline is the reigning Reserve Champion Youth Breakaway Roper at the Cinch World Championship Junior Rodeo (WCJR), presented by Montana Silversmiths. The event—one of the richest youth rodeos in the world—returns to the Lazy E Arena in Guthrie, Oklahoma, July 22–26, 2025, and Cline is well on her way back.
With more than 9,000 points earned through the Virtual Rodeo Qualifier (VRQ), Cline currently sits third in the Junior Breakaway Roping on the WCRA’s Division Youth (DY) leaderboard.
“Last year was my first time at the WCJR and I ended up Reserve Champion,” Cline said. “It was a super fun event. I was seeded into the Semi-Finals, got to jackpot in the rounds, and roped every night—and did good.”
In fact, Cline caught 12 of 13 calves, including a 2.41-second run in the Championship round—just a breath behind champion Kali Jo Bannister.
“I was really happy with how I did,” she said. “The top 15 was so tough, but it was a great experience and an amazing week with my friends.”
There are three ways to qualify for the WCJR: winning a Qualifier Series event, finishing in the top 12 on the DY leaderboard, or entering as an open and advancing through progressive rounds. Cline prefers the DY route—its perks include complimentary entry fees, direct access to the Semi-Finals, and eligibility for World Champion bonuses.
“Mom handles everything,” Cline laughed. “She enters me, nominates, and drives me there. I just rope and take care of my horses.”
Raised on her grandparents’ ranch in Batesville, Texas, Cline grew up surrounded by rodeo. Her mom was a top breakaway roper and goat tyer, her aunt competed in barrels and poles, and her dad rode bulls.
Now an only child on the brink of turning 16, she’s following in their footsteps—with her mom, Shannon, still firmly holding the keys to the truck.
“Yeah, that’s a no-go,” Cline said with a grin.
A sophomore at White Horse Christian Academy, Cline is homeschooled and self-motivated.
“I sometimes get in trouble for doing too much schoolwork,” she admitted. “I loved Psychology and Spanish, and history’s my favorite.”
Cline ropes daily, mixing practice with chores, workouts and helping around the place.
“I rope in the mornings, clean pens, do chores, slow work horses, or run into town for groceries,” Cline said. “And there’s always packing and unpacking the trailer—fun stuff.”
On the calendar for Shada Cline
She competes in Texas High School Rodeo Region 8, and also hits major events like the Patriot, Chris Neal’s Future Stars, Joe B’s Easter Roping, and the Webb ropings. A past National Junior High School Finals qualifier, she’s now working toward her first Women’s Rodeo World Championship (WRWC), where she’ll compete in the Challenger Division for a share of the $802,000 purse.
“It’ll be my first time. I’m excited,” Cline said.
She’s also headed to the DY Showcase at Rodeo Corpus Christi on May 6, thanks to her DY Leaderboard ranking.
Cline plans to attend junior college and eventually a university while competing in college rodeo and ProRodeo. Though undecided on a major, she’s considering following her dad into the family business—Baymare Promotional Group—so she can work remotely while on the road.
Four Horses make it happen for Shada Cline
Cline’s horsepower includes three go-to mounts and a trusty practice horse.
“Spanky is 8, and I’ve had him about four months—he’s been awesome,” Cline said. “Sly is 16, and I’ve had him a year. I use them for fast setups. Colton is 8 and super quick. He’s the one I ride when the calves are fast. You can’t get outrun on him.”
Faith plays a central role in Cline’s life. Her father, Corey, is an associate pastor at Ridin’ the River Cowboy Fellowship in Bandera, Texas, where she’s also a youth leader. She’s active in the church’s summer camps and teen programs, helping build character and faith in younger generations.
Cline is living proof of those values—grounded, grateful and goal-driven.
“I’m just thankful God lets me go out there and rope,” she said.
