(Red Deer Polytechnic Athletics/Supplied)

By RDP Athletics

season preview

Red Deer Polytechnic Rodeo team is ready to compete in 2025-26

Sep 16, 2025 | 5:03 PM

The Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP) Rodeo team will have a different look this year, but the seven dedicated student-athletes are ready to showcase their skills and make an impact during the 2025-26 Canadian Collegiate Rodeo Association (CCRA) season.

“We have a young team of all Queens this season,” says Trina Carroll, Student Life and Rodeo Team Coordinator, Red Deer Polytechnic. “They all have a strong background in their individual events. I am excited to watch these ladies compete.”

Leading the way is Elyse Terpsma, a Welding apprenticeship student from Alhambra, Alberta, and the sole returning member of the Queens.

She’s joined by six new teammates: Aidyn Thomas (Bachelor of Education), Brieanna Nyal (Bachelor of Science in Nursing), Emily Cline (Social Work Diploma), Kaybree Zunti (Bachelor of Arts in Psychology), Marli Sandum (Open Studies) and Mattie Jensen (Bachelor of Education).

“The student-athletes bring both experience and talent to the squad,” adds Carroll. “The Queens have exceptional depth in Barrel Racing and Pole Bending.”

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That depth will be on full display this year.

Terpsma, Thomas, Nyal and Jensen will participate in both Barrel Racing and Pole Bending. Sandum will enter the Barrel Racing events. Cline will represent the team in Breakaway Roping and Goat Tying. Zunti will compete in Barrel Racing, Breakaway Roping, Goat Tying and Pole Bending.

The Queens will be guided by Guy Kelley, head coach, and Stacey Terpsma, assistant coach, throughout the CCRA season.

The season recently began with the Central Alberta College Rodeo Team (CACRT) and RDP Shootout Rodeo, co-hosted by the CACRT and Red Deer Polytechnic Queens, in Benalto, Alberta, from September 13-14.

The RDP Queens had several standout performances at the event, setting the tone for a strong season ahead.

At the CACRT and RDP Shootout Rodeo, Terpsma (22.517) finished seventh in Pole Bending. Zunti ranked sixth (8.9) in Goat Tying and seventh (3.6) in Breakaway Roping.

Reflecting on the success of the event, Carroll shares, “We couldn’t have hosted the first rodeo without our amazing sponsors, the support from the Benalto Agricultural Society and collaboration with the Central Alberta College Rodeo Team.”

Next, the Red Deer Polytechnic Rodeo team will compete at the University of Saskatchewan Fall Rodeo held in Delisle, Saskatchewan, from September 20-21.

Given the team’s impressive depth and skill, Carroll is optimistic about the RDP Queens’ performances this season.

“The Queens will absolutely make their mark this season,” she said.

For more information about RDP Rodeo, please visit: rdpolytechathletics.ca.