Alaina Dean is leading the World Championship Junior Rodeo 15-&-Under goat tying standings with 17,430.5 points, but the Joaquin, Texas, all-around cowgirl has more than one event on her mind heading into July.

Dean, 15, is from Joaquin, Texas, and just finished her freshman year of high school. She competes in goat tying, breakaway roping and barrel racing, and she also runs track and cross country. She made the Texas High School Rodeo Association State Finals in barrels and goat tying out of Region 5 and is set to compete in all three events at the WCJR in July.

How did you get started in rodeo?

I’ve been riding horses since I could walk, really. I would go to the local little play days that we had in Center, Texas. My mom and dad both had horses, and my mom used to show livestock too, but I wasn’t really interested in that, so I just stuck to rodeo. This will be my eighth year tying goats, I think.

Do you just tie goats?

I breakaway rope and barrel race, too.

What have been some of your biggest wins so far?

At the WCJR, I had the most points in the barrels last year. I did win the semifinals in goats last year, and I just recently won the 15U breakaway at the Priefert Ranch Open.

Who has helped you the most with your rodeo career?

My coach, Stacy Martin. I’ve been with her every single year that I’ve tied goats—she’s my mental coach and my goat tying coach. She’s helped me a lot through the years, and I think she’s the one that’s really gotten me to where I am today.

What are some things she’s helped you with on the mental side?

I would get upset after I didn’t make a very good run, but she’s helped me learn that a run is just a run, and there’s always another one you can make. There’s always next year, and there’s really no big deal. Whether you win the world or you don’t, there’s not really a difference. As long as you have fun doing it, then that’s all that matters.

Are you someone who gets really nervous?

I don’t really get nervous when I am in the back. I get nervous when I’m watching other people go and I’m thinking about what I’m doing. But when I’m about to go, I don’t get nervous really at all.

What’s your favorite event?

Definitely the goats.

Why is it your favorite?

I just like all the parts of it, since there’s a bunch of things that go into the goats and not just one thing you have to worry about. It’s a lot of pieces you have to put together, really. It’s a lot going on, and I enjoy that.

What does a normal week at home look like with three events?

I usually go and practice with my coach, Stacy, once a week or so. We have nine horses at the house right now, but we ride about five of them. It’s not bad. I enjoy riding and exercising them.

What are some goals you have for yourself?

I would love to win the CNFR in the goat tying one day. I’m most likely going to continue to breakaway outside of college, and I’m definitely going to do goat tying and breakaway. I don’t know if I’m going to do barrels in college, but I’m definitely doing goat tying and breakaway.

Speaking of college, what is your plan there?

I’m planning to go to Texas A&M. I’m either thinking about doing something like physical therapy and helping athletes. I know I get injured a lot, so I want to help people that get injured and help them get back to being healthy. I just think that’d be cool to be able to help other people.

Tell me about your horses.

My barrel horse’s name is Raz—he’s 21. My goat horse is Maple, I’ve had her for about eight years, and we got her for very little amount of money. Then I trained her to be a good little goat pony and do all the events you could. My breakaway horse’s name is Gizmo. He’s also 21. He’s such a jewel. I love him so much.

What is the plan for the WCJR and how are we feeling before heading to the Lazy E?

I’m doing all three events there. I’m excited for it. I can’t wait. I love being in Guthrie, even though it’s very, very hot there. I like hanging out with all my friends. I like when we win, and I like that arena too.