Marlee Brooks Crowned 2026 Miss UPRA: Inside Her Pageant Victory

The 2026 CINCH United Professional Rodeo Association Finals brought more than championship rodeo action to Bryan, Texas. As cowboys and cowgirls competed for year-end honors, four young women pursued a different kind of championship: the coveted title of Miss UPRA.

After several days of competition at the Brazos County Expo Complex, Marlee Brooks of Cleveland, Texas, was crowned Miss UPRA 2026–2027, earning the opportunity to serve as the association’s newest First Lady.

Brooks, 22, entered the competition as Miss Sagauro Rodeo Company. A recent graduate of Tarleton State University with a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Education, she currently serves as an agricultural science teacher at Kountze ISD. With a background deeply rooted in agriculture and rodeo, Brooks hopes to use her platform to advocate for both industries while inspiring the next generation through education.

The competition began Wednesday, putting contestants through a demanding schedule that evaluated horsemanship, personal interviews, a written examination, prepared speeches, impromptu speaking, modeling, and personality.

Each category challenged the contestants to demonstrate the knowledge, confidence, and professionalism expected of a rodeo queen. Horsemanship tested their abilities in the saddle, while interviews and the written examination evaluated their understanding of rodeo and the association. Public speaking and modeling offered opportunities to showcase their personalities, composure, and ability to connect with an audience.

However, the contestants weren’t confined to the pageant stage.

Throughout the Finals performances, the young women took an active role in the rodeo itself, carrying sponsor flags into the arena and helping set barrels for the barrel racing competition. Their involvement provided firsthand experience with the responsibilities that accompany representing a professional rodeo association.

Between competing for a crown and lending a hand during the performances, the contestants demonstrated that rodeo royalty requires more than polished appearances. It takes hard work, dedication, and a willingness to serve the sport.

As the competition concluded, Brooks emerged with the overall title and was also recognized with the Congeniality Award, highlighting the friendships and sportsmanship that remain an important part of the pageant experience.

Greenlee Mayberry earned the title of Miss UPRA First Runner-Up, along with the High Ticket Sales Award, recognizing her efforts in supporting and promoting the pageant.

Kelly West claimed the Horsemanship Award, earning recognition for her performance in one of the competition’s most important categories.

While Brooks ultimately took home the crown, the pageant celebrated the accomplishments of each contestant and the dedication required to compete at this level.

For Brooks, the title marks the beginning of a new chapter. As Miss UPRA 2026–2027, she will represent the association throughout the upcoming rodeo season, attending rodeos and community events while promoting the western way of life and supporting the people who make professional rodeo possible.

Her experience as an agricultural educator provides a unique opportunity to connect her passion for the arena with her commitment to educating future generations about agriculture and the western industry.

As another CINCH UPRA Finals came to a close, the association welcomed its newest First Lady while recognizing the determination and accomplishments of the women who competed alongside her.

From the arena dirt to the pageant stage, the 2026 Miss UPRA contestants demonstrated that a crown represents far more than a title. It represents a commitment to the sport, the people behind it, and the traditions that continue to shape professional rodeo.