From Application to Arena: The UCC Ambassador Journey
While spring was in the air, so was the excitement of finding out who would become the next Utah Cowgirl Collective Ambassadors.
Twenty-three young women took a chance and applied to become a 2026 UCC Ambassador, but after completing a three-step selection process, only six cowgirls earned the title.
It all started in February when applications opened. Each applicant had the opportunity to introduce herself, share her story, and explain why she would be a good fit for the Collective.
Then came the hardest part... the waiting.
Soon, emails began arriving, and selected applicants moved on to virtual interviews. These interviews gave each young woman a chance to let her personality shine and get to know the UCC Board a little better (don't worry, they don't bite!)
After another week of eagerly refreshing inboxes, 12 lucky cowgirls advanced to the final step: in-person tryouts.
With three weeks of preparation, practice, and probably a few nervous butterflies, April 11th arrived before we knew it. It was finally time to put all that hard work into action. Tryouts consisted of a horsemanship pattern, packing flags, and interviews where each candidate presented a service project she hoped to complete during her year as an ambassador. It was a day filled with nervous smiles, last-minute pep talks, and moments that made all the preparation worthwhile.
So, what does it take to become a UCC Ambassador?
We asked some of our 2026 Ambassadors to share a few words of wisdom:
Kadence Westmoreland
"Give it everything you've got and know your stuff! Take preparation seriously. Know your horse, know your tack, and most importantly, know why you're there.
As cliché as it sounds, be yourself. Every girl brings something unique to the table, and that's what makes the Collective so special. It's okay if you're not a polished pageant queen; that's not what this program is looking for. We're looking for COWGIRLS!"
Ansley Staley
“Don’t be afraid to try it. It’s an amazing opportunity to show off you and your horse. Just have fun with it!”
Now that our six ambassadors have been selected, it's full steam ahead as we prepare for the Utah Days of '47 Rodeo. We can't wait to represent the Utah Cowgirl Collective, serve our communities, and make unforgettable memories along the way.
The adventure is just getting started!
