Contestants

2026 Miss Rodeo Utah Contestants

Miriam
Brophy

**Age:** 22
**Hometown:** Payson
**Parents:** Dan & Esther Brophy
**Education:** Miriam is a graduate of Maple Mountain High School, where she graduated with high honors. She served in leadership roles in FFA, FCCLA, SkillsUSA, 4-H Horse & ASL clubs. She was also recognized as the Sterling Scholar in Family and Consumer Sciences for the Wasatch Region.
She graduated from Snow College with an associate of science and majoring in pre-vet. After graduating, she transferred to Utah State University, where she is currently pursuing her bachelor’s degree in veterinary science and plans to graduate next spring. This year, she plans to begin preparing and applying for veterinary school as she works toward a future career in large animal and equine medicine and equine dentistry.
**Background:** While attending Snow College, Miriam competed for the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association as a barrel racer. At Utah State University, Miriam is a member of the USU Western Equestrian Team, where she competes in IHSA shows and serves as the team’s PR and social media manager. Throughout her education, Miriam has earned academic scholarships through her strong grades and dedication to her studies. She loves horse showing and is an active member of the Panorama Horse Show Circuit. For the past two years, she has been on the Championship Cervi Rodeo Houston Pivot Team. Miriam has carried numerous titles including 2026 Miss Rodeo Ogden, 2025 Western Stampede Rodeo Queen, 2024 Lehi Round Up Queen, 2022 Art City Days Rodeo Queen and Fiesta Days and Utah State Fair Royalty.
In addition to her rodeo activities, Miriam is a skilled seamstress. She has won several awards in various sewing contests and placed at Nationals with FCCLA and MIWW (Make It with Wool). She enjoys creating rodeo queen clothing and has designed some of her own outfits being worn during the Miss Rodeo Utah pageant.
**Why I Want to be Miss Rodeo Utah:** To become the next Miss Rodeo Utah would be an incredible honor and opportunity to give back to a world that has helped shape me so much, especially throughout my deaf journey. Being around horses and in the rodeo industry has given me hope, confidence, and strength throughout my life, especially during my early years learning to speak with a cochlear implant. As a child, rodeo queens were a huge inspiration to me. I looked up to the way they carried themselves, represented their communities, and made a positive impact on others. Now, having the opportunity to serve as a rodeo queen myself has been incredibly meaningful. I would be honored to represent communities across Utah as Miss Rodeo Utah while encouraging others to chase their dreams, overcome challenges, and find confidence in who they are.

Terra
Hicken

**Age:** 21
**Hometown:** Heber City
**Parents:** Dave & Tanya Hicken
**Education:** Terra is a graduate of Wasatch High School, where she was awarded multiple scholarships which she was able to apply toward her continued education. She continued her education at Utah Valley University where she graduated in 2023 with her associate’s degree in business management. She then attended Mountainland Technical College where she earned her Limited X-ray Technician license in 2024.
**Background:** Terra was involved in 4-H, was a member of FFA, and enjoyed her time as a member of the Wasatch Rodeo Team, serving as vice President. She has competed through several rodeo associations, including the Beaver Junior Rodeo Association, Basin Junior Rodeo Association, Utah Barrel Racers Association, and Utah Youth Rodeo Association. Terra grew up participating in athletics and other outdoor activities, beginning with soccer, where she developed teamwork, discipline, and competitiveness. In junior high, she continued her athletic involvement by playing rugby, which further strengthened her ability to perform in a team environment. In high school, Terra transitioned into rodeo, where she began competing and fully embracing the Western lifestyle that continues to be a major part of her life today. Outside of competition, she enjoys riding horses, paddle boarding, and snowmobiling, reflecting her love for the outdoors, adventure, and staying active year-round.
Terra has been a part of several royalties and has held the queen titles of Dinosaur Round-Up Queen, Miss Rodeo Oakley, Miss Utah State Fair Rodeo Queen 2024, Summit County Fair and Rodeo Queen, Evanston Cowboys Days Queen, Mountain Valley Stampede Queen and is the current Miss Lehi Roundup Rodeo Queen.
**Why I want to be Miss Rodeo Utah:** I want to become Miss Utah because I am passionate about representing the western way of life and sharing the values it has taught me, including hard work, integrity, and sportsmanship. Through my experiences as a rodeo competitor, queen title holder, and lifelong horsewoman, I have developed a deep appreciation for the rodeo industry, and the people who dedicate their lives to it. I hope to use this title to be a positive role model for youth, especially young women, encouraging them to pursue their goals with confidence and determination. I am also excited about the opportunity to promote Rodeo, agriculture, and Utah's Western Heritage at schools and public events. Becoming Miss Rodeo Utah would allow me to combine my love for horses, public speaking, and service while representing the state I am proud to call home.

Slater

Jones

Age: 20
Hometown: Slaterville
Parents: Chad & Lori Jones

Education: Slater is a graduate of Fremont High School where she excelled in FFA, earning her greenhand and Chapter degrees, and placed in the top five in Milk Quality Judging at the State Career Development Event. She also earned second place in Animal Systems at the Fremont Agri-Science Fair. Slater earned athletic letters in both track and cross country and went on to compete in the Footlocker cross Country Championship.

Slater earned scholarships through the National High School Rodeo Association and went on to attend Bridgerland Technical College, where she earned her Master Esthetician License. She plans to further her education by attending cosmetology school which will allow her to continue growing in a field that she loves.

Background: Slater is a member of the Daughters of the Utah Pioneers and an active member of both the AQHA and the UQHA. She is working towards her goal of bringing home an AQHA World Championship alongside her 10-yer-old gelding, Herman.

As a Utah native, Slater has a deep love for the outdoors. When she is not in the arena, you can likely find her out on the hiking trails or hitting the ski slopes. Slater also enjoys long-distance running and has completed several half marathons, and in 2025, ran her first full marathon. She also published her children’s book “Mabel Makes Her Mark” to promote her personal platform to encourage others to make their mark.

Slater has held several rodeo queen titles including serving in the royalty for Miss Rodeo Ogden 2024 & 2025, Miss Rodeo Hooper 2022, 2nd runner up to the NHSRA queen and is the current Wilderness Circuit Queen.

Why I want to be Miss Rodeo Utah: Miss Rodeo Utah represents far more than a crown or a title. She represents the opportunity to leave a lasting impact on the people and communities she serves. Long after the year is over, I want to be remembered not simply as Miss Rodeo Utah, but as someone who was always willing to lend a helping hand and encouraged others to believe in themselves and chase their dreams. As a first-generation cowgirl, my journey into the western way of life has shown me that passion, perseverance, and hard work can open doors you never imagined possible. I hope my story can inspire others to pursue their goals regardless of their background. For me, the true legacy of Miss Rodeo Utah is not measured by a crown or a buckle, but by the difference you make in the lives of others and the mark you leave behind.