Grace Stanke
Grace Stanke, the 21-year-old Miss Rodeo North Dakota, is an accomplished rider, competitor, and advocate who has spent her life immersed in the world of rodeo and western heritage. The daughter of Shannan and the late Greg Stanke, Grace grew up on a rural farm outside West Fargo, North Dakota.
She was practically born with a love for horses and rodeo—riding before she could walk and showing animals before she could talk. From a young age, Grace demonstrated a deep passion for rodeo, competing in horse shows, 4-H, competitive hippology, and the National Barrel Horse Association (NBHA). This love for the sport evolved over the years, and Grace now competes as a Level 3 Ladies Cowboy Mounted Shooter, showcasing both skill and bravery in her riding abilities.
Grace’s foundation in education is just as strong as her foundation in rodeo. After being classically educated through high school, she earned an associate degree in psychology from Minnesota State Community and Technical College, where she became a member of the Phi Theta Kappa College Honor Society. Additionally, Grace is certified in mental health first aid, further demonstrating her commitment to supporting the well-being of others, both inside and outside the arena.
In June 2023, while serving as Miss Rodeo Mandan, she participated in the prestigious Miss Rodeo North Dakota Pageant, held at the North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame in the scenic town of Medora. Her dedication and skill were evident as she earned top honors in several categories, including Horsemanship, Appearance, and Photogenic. She also received the Written Test Award and an educational scholarship, marking her as a standout contestant. Winning the title of Miss Rodeo North Dakota was a culmination of years of hard work and preparation, and it solidified Grace as one of the leading figures in North Dakota’s rodeo community.
Growing up as the youngest of three sisters, all of whom earned rodeo queen and princess titles, she was no stranger to the world of rodeo pageants. Her family’s history in the sport runs deep, with the Stanke sisters collectively taking home an impressive 14 rodeo crowns. However, Grace’s journey took a personal turn when her father, Greg, tragically passed away from Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE), a brain condition caused by repeated head injuries. In the wake of this loss, Grace discovered her passion for advocating for concussion awareness and mental health. She has since made it her mission to raise awareness about the long-term effects of head injuries, especially in the context of rodeo and contact sports.
As part of her platform as Miss Rodeo North Dakota, Grace has worked tirelessly to share her father’s story and raise awareness about the connection between head injuries and mental health. Her goal is to travel across North Dakota and the nation, partnering with the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) and the Justin Sports Medicine Team to advocate for concussion awareness and the life-altering effects of head trauma. Through her efforts, Grace hopes to educate athletes, rodeo participants, and fans about the importance of mental health and injury prevention in the sport.
Throughout her reign as Miss Rodeo North Dakota, Grace will continue to promote the sport of rodeo and the western heritage it represents. She will serve as an ambassador for rodeos across North Dakota and the region, representing the state at numerous events. One of her most significant upcoming milestones will be competing for the coveted title of Miss Rodeo America in December 2024. The winner of this prestigious pageant will receive a Chevy vehicle for the year, along with cash prizes, a trophy saddle, buckle, and other prizes.
Grace’s journey is not only one of personal achievement, but also one of service and advocacy. She is dedicated to supporting the rodeo community and ensuring the well-being of athletes through concussion education. Grace would like to thank her personal sponsors, including 72 Cowboy Media, BattleBlitzPaintball, and A to Z Moving, for their support during her year of service as Miss Rodeo North Dakota. With her deep passion for rodeo, her advocacy for mental health, and her unwavering commitment to excellence, Grace Stanke is poised to make a lasting impact on the world of rodeo and beyond.
