KeAnna Ward, a senior from Belle Fourche, SD, is a student-athlete who loves the adrenaline rush that comes with rodeo. Although her parents fueled her drive for the sport, KeAnna says, “I grew up always wanting to race and go fast…so that drew me into rodeo as well.” KeAnna competes in goat tying, breakaway roping, and team roping but explains that her overall favorite is goat tying. “It’s an adrenaline rush and I love practicing and trying new techniques,” she explains. In the practice pen, KeAnna tries to make every run as close to competition as possible. “I practice zoning in and making the best run on every calf, steer, or goat,” she tells me.
Being “in the zone” may be KeAnna’s favorite part of rodeo. When I asked her about her favorite aspect, she answered, “I love the fact that rodeo is a mental game. It takes true mental strength to compete to the best of your ability.” KeAnna’s strong mental game most likely helped her accomplish qualifying for the College National Finals three years, placing second in the region in goat tying for the 2019 and 2020 seasons, and being honored as an All-American Academic. Mental strength isn’t the only thing that KeAnna strives for, though. She also has strong determination which she looks up to Amberley Snyder for. KeAnna explained to me that she is inspired by Snyder because “she loves the sport so much and has true determination.”
KeAnna originally chose Black Hills State University for the great education program that is offered. However, she goes on to add that the rodeo practice set-up and program were also key factors in her decision. Her favorite part about BHSU, though, is the people and professors. “Everyone is so supportive of rodeo and there is a great atmosphere,” Keanna tells me. “I have met some truly amazing people through the rodeo team and on campus.” KeAnna advises upcoming rodeo athletes, “Just enjoy the ride. Everyone always says this, but you don’t realize how fast it truly goes until it’s your senior year. Enjoy the people you meet and get out of your comfort zone.”
KeAnna will graduate this spring with a degree in Elementary Education. After graduation, she hopes to get a teaching job and continue riding colts, ranching, working on leather, and one day make the American.
Before BHSU: Graduated from Belle Fourche High School in South Dakota … majoring in elementary education … recipient of Floyd Scholarship … daughter of Vern and Laurie Ward.
