Whataburger's Whatakid: Shaye Abernathy

Shaye Abernathy Region III

Congratulations to Region 3 Whatakid, Shaye Abernathy, an 18-year-old senior from Boyd, Texas. Shaye competes in breakaway roping, although she dabbled in goat tying, barrel racing, and pole bending, it was breakaway roping that truly captured her heart and focus.

Competing since the 4th grade, Shaye has transformed her initial curiosity into a commitment to excellence, especially in breakaway roping, her favorite event. With a busy schedule packed with academics, athletics, and leadership roles, Shaye embodies the hardworking spirit of Texas rodeo culture and exemplifies the qualities of a true young leader.

Behind every great rodeo athlete is a loyal horse, and for Shaye, that partner is Halo, her palomino roping horse. After purchasing Halo from Hunter Herrin, Shaye felt an immediate connection that has only deepened over time. Halo's agility and responsiveness have made her an invaluable teammate in the arena, helping Shaye reach new heights in her sport.

Shaye’s rodeo accomplishments reflect her dedication and competitive spirit, with each title marking a new milestone in her journey. In 2019, she claimed the Chisholm Trail Year End Pole Bending Championship, followed by a top-three finish in breakaway roping in 2021. he went on to qualify for the Texas Junior High Rodeo Association State Finals in both 2020 andS 2021, further solidifying her skills. In 2022, she earned the title of Breakaway Roping Year End Champion in the Kids Junior Rodeo Association and qualified for the American Junior Rodeo Association Finals in three events, finishing in the top five. Her 2023 season was equally impressive, as she took home the Barrel Racing Year End title in the Kids Junior Rodeo Association and qualified for the North Texas High School Rodeo Association Finals in both 2023 and 2024. 

With a GPA of 3.9, Shaye is in the top 10% of her class.. Her favorite subject is business, particularly her Money Matters class, taught by her favorite teacher, Mr. Withers. A leader among her peers, Shaye serves as the president of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, secretary of Boyd FFA, and is an active member of the Boyd rodeo team, PALS, and the National Honor Society.

In addition to rodeo, Shaye has a commitment to volleyball. She has played the sport for 12 years and currently competes on her school’s varsity team. This dedication to both rodeo and volleyball exemplifies her well-rounded athleticism and ability to balance multiple interests with grace.

Shaye plans to attend Texas A&M University, where she hopes to continue her rodeo career while double majoring in Agricultural Communications/Marketing and Leadership.. Her ultimate goal is to make an impact in the world of agriculture and

rodeo through her knowledge and love for the sport.

The Abernathy family’s influence is unmistakable in Shaye’s life. Her parents and grandparents are her heroes, modeling faith and resilience that she carries into her own journey. Guided by the motto "Lead, let your light shine, and always be kind," Shaye strives to reflect these values in all she does. Her faith in God, which she considers the cornerstone of her success, fuels her gratitude and keeps her grounded, no matter where life takes her.

In her spare time, Shaye enjoys spending time with family and friends and attending church, where she finds strength and community. Balancing her faith, academics, and rodeo, Shaye is poised to continue making strides as she embarks on the next chapter of her life.

 “Each Region 3 rodeo feels like a family gathering, as the friendships and camaraderie has built over the years," said Shaye. 

Shaye is extremely honored to be representing Region 3 as the Whatakid.