Ali Covey, 16-year-old upcoming senior at Notre Dame High School, has won the state championship in barrel racing at the Tennessee High School Rodeo Association State Finals.
She qualified for the National High School Finals Rodeo where she will be competing in Lincoln, Neb., against the best high schoolers in the world at the end of July.
Ali said, "I have been around horses all my life, but didn’t start competing until I was about 12 years old. I have been rodeoing across the country ever since.
"I couldn’t have done any of this without my supporting family, but especially my four-legged teammate, Hank. Hank is a 16-year-old quarter horse that has been a part of our family for six years. Hank loves his job and he wants to win; he tries his best every single run and takes care of me.
"My sister, Holli Covey, has won two state championships and many other accomplishments on Hank and now I compete on him. Hank is truly one of a kind and a huge blessing.
"None of this would be possible without the help and support from my family as well as the mighty Lord above. I plan on furthering my rodeo career into and after college and I am excited for what’s to come in my rodeo future."
Ali and Holli are the daughters of Mr. and Mrs. Donnie Covey.