Imagine a young girl who dreams of growing up, going to college, and becoming an extremely successful rodeo athlete. She knows that with hard work, dedication, and the right mindset, she would be able to achieve that dream. With this in mind, she begins practicing and focusing on that goal.

“I didn’t really have a choice [to rodeo],” said Tayle Brink, a Black Hills State University rodeo athlete.

Being forced into rodeo, though, was what she thinks to be of her greatest decisions. Brink is currently a senior at BHSU and has a reputation of being a very successful rodeo athlete. According to the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association’s website, she is currently leading the Great Plains Region standings for the all-around title. This is a difficult achievement due to the criteria of the award. In order to receive the all-around, an athlete must place in the top six in more than one event at the college rodeos for the season.

With the fast pace of rodeos, it can be difficult for rodeo athletes to focus on each individual event. However, Brink seems to have conquered this feat with her attitude towards the competition.

“Tayle always maintains a positive, can-do attitude,” explained teammate Dalton Magilke. “She knows that each competitive run is a new chance at doing her best and she takes advantage of that opportunity.”

Brink expanded on her process to succeeding in the arena. “I visualize a lot,” she said with a smile. “I also try not to think about the future and standings too much. I just try to accomplish one run at a time.”

Tayle’s visualization process has helped her win the All-Around titles at the Dickinson State University, Iowa Central Community College, and Mid Plains Community College rodeos. Each of these titles has contributed to her regional placing along with helping the BHSU Women’s Team lead the region in team points.

To Coach Glen Lammers, Tayle has had a big influence on the team as a whole. “She’s just been a leader in a lot of ways and she leads by example,” Coach Lammers said thoughtfully. “That’s one of the most important aspects.”

Tayle’s leadership skills is also how she earned the spot as team captain of the Women’s Team.

Although Lammers is proud of her individual accomplishments, he also admires how she handles her composure during practice and rodeos. “She’s driven, open-minded, and consistent all the way through whether in practice or competition,” he declared.

Magilke also chimed in on Brink’s consistency saying, “Good practice makes good progress and it’s been showing in her performances.”

Brink will finish her rodeo career as a Yellow Jacket this spring season by competing in the final rodeos at the Jackrabbit Stampede, Yellow Jacket Stampede, Cornhusker Stampede, and Cyclone Stampede. Brink went on to say that she is shooting for a spot to go to the College National Finals Rodeo but plans to take it one rodeo at a time.

“My mindset is to keep practicing, keep improving, and focus on every run instead of fast forwarding to the outcome.” Brink described.