Clovis Rodeo Queen 2023

Meet Lilly Kier, sponsored by Clovis Soroptimists. Lilly is a Fresno State student pursuing a degree in agricultural business.  She would like to thank her parents, Rusty and Denielle Kier for their love and support along this journey. Lilly looks forward to building meaningful relationships with those who share her passion for rodeo and service. Lilly has been riding horses since she could walk, has competed all across the state, and has dreams to influence others to become involved in the western way of life. She plans on becoming an agricultural appraiser and help link farmers/ranchers to the financial resources available to them.

Who would have thought a question as simple as “Can I have a pony?” would lead to an incredible and unbelievable year thirteen years later as Miss Clovis Rodeo 2022!

My heart is so full as I reflect on one heck of a year! This past year I was extremely fortunate to expand my love and knowledge for the sport of rodeo while traveling all over the state of California and Texas. As the 2022 Clovis Rodeo Queen, I have had the honor to represent the town in which I have lived in my entire life, Clovis, California. As a little girl, the last weekend in April was guaranteed to be filled with fun and excitement, we wouldn’t miss the Clovis Rodeo for the world! I’ve always been inspired by the Rodeo Queens, I would even practice my queen salute racing around our arena on my jumper pony.

Having grown up in Clovis, one of the top agricultural counties, it was easy and enjoyable to represent our western way of life and its agriculture. These things are very near and dear to my heart and will always be a huge part of my life.

I fell more in love with this industry than ever before, being able to experience all of the hard work behind the scenes at each rodeo! It is truly amazing how everyone works so hard to put on such an incredible event! I am forever grateful for this time, this industry, the Clovis Rodeo, and every one of you who made it such a special experience along the way.

Throughout this past year, I was blessed to attend so many incredible rodeos. To name a few: the Fort Worth Stockyards Pro Rodeo, the Cinch Finals Rodeo at the Texas State Fair, the Salinas Pro Rodeo, and Glennville Pro Rodeo. Each and every rodeo I attended was unique and I am so thankful for the incredible friendships I made at each event. From the bottom of my heart, thank you to each and every person I met along this journey that welcomed me and treated me with kindness.

I am so blessed to have had the opportunity to represent the Clovis Rodeo and everything we stand for. Thank you for letting me represent the sport I love and am passionate about. The relationships and connections I have made this year have been unforgettable, from fellow queens, to rodeo fans, each relationship means so much to me. I’ve been able to see little glimpses of heaven and people I consider to be angels on earth. These encounters will be something I will cherish forever.

In August of 2022, I decided to move to Texas to pursue my dreams. I am currently going to school at Texas A&M University, majoring in Agricultural Engineering as well as Weapons Engineering. Gig ‘Em! I hope to use my Agricultural Engineering degree and farming background to help expand the future of agricultural machinery and systems. I also hope to become a Weapons Engineer to create useful and effective weapons for military use. Even in Texas, I am involved in my community. I am a member of Gamma Phi Beta Sorority, in which our philanthropy is “Building Strong Girls.” Our mission supports strong women, building strong girls. Moving to Texas has opened up even more opportunities for my queen year. I was able to travel to different rodeos throughout the Lone Star State representing the well-known Clovis Rodeo, which has been astounding!
What I’m most touched by is all of the love I was shown on this ride, and my guardian angels guiding me along the experience. I would like to especially thank my parents and family, Tish Wilhite, Brian Avery, Sally Rome, the Gobeli family, the Simpson family, the Bower family, Julie Ewing, The 500 Club, the Clovis Kiwanis Club, the Clovis Rodeo Association, all of the Clovis Rodeo Committee members, and of course all of my equine partners, for absolutely everything this year. I would not be here without you!

This organization will always have a huge impact on my life and am so grateful to forever be a part of a wonderful rodeo. Best of luck to the future queens! I’m looking forward to seeing y’all at the 109th Clovis Rodeo!

As this cowgirl rides away, love always and many thanks,

Preslye Ede
Miss Clovis Rodeo 2022