JUNIOR WORLD CHAMP ALVES ADDS WPRA JUNIOR WORLD TITLE TO RESUME B eginning in 2007, the WPRA instituted the WPRA Junior Division for all girls aged 17 and under. The junior division introduces a whole new group of members to the ranks of professional competition and allows mothers and daughters
to compete for world points at the same events. Callie duPerier won the Junior World title in 2010 and went on to win the WPRA Barrel Racing World Title in 2015. Jackie Ganter won the title in 2014 and qualified for the Wrangler NFR in 2015 and 2016. In 2022, Skylar Alves of Camarillo, California, won the title with $11,499 in earnings while Kaitlyn Sims of Elkton, Florida was second with $10,562. WPRA: Last year you finished as reserve world champion and in 2022 you won the world title. What does it mean to you to be a WPRA Junior World Champion? Skylar: I am at a loss for words as to how ecstatic this title makes me feel. It allows me to leave behind my junior rodeo career as I become an adult. It gives me a sense of completeness and confidence as I head into this next season of life with my best partner and my best friend: JR Finally Famous. Note: JR Finally Famous is by Famous Bugs out of Dustys Jazzy Dancer and she calls her12-yaer old mare Finally WPRA: Did finishing reserve in 2021 give you momentum to win it in 2022? Skylar: I would say instead of giving me momentum this reserve title gave me motivation to take that extra step for the lead and finish the year strong. It fueled and inspired my desire to win and grow as an athlete. WPRA: This was your last year to be able to win the Junior World Title so how important was it to you to win the title? Skylar: I don’t think this title defines who I am as a person or a rider, but I do believe it was important to win this title to prove to myself that I can achieve anything I put my mind to, and that Finally and I could achieve something so incredible. WPRA: What was the difference this year to finally get that title? Skylar: It’s interesting to use the word “finally” in this question, because my horse’s barn name is actually “Finally.” We call her this because she always tends to live up to her name and achieve great things in her own time, that is, somewhat like her owner. Fortunately, she decided to line up her timing with my final year as a junior competitor.
WPRA: How did you get involved in the sport of rodeo and other family members involved in the sport? Skylar: My mom, Darleen Alves, showed me my love for horses as soon as I could walk, and I have been riding ever since. My mom is a California circuit competitor herself; and my cousin Pfeiffer Alves competes with me on the college rodeo circuit. WPRA: For 2023, you have now bought your WPRA permit. What are your goals for 2023? Skylar: My goals for 2023 are to grow as I am on my own as a freshman at Cal Poly SLO on the rodeo team. I hope to win the region in barrel racing and qualify for the CNFR. I also hope to attend my first pro rodeo and fill my permit. WPRA: What do you enjoy most about the sport of barrel racing? Skylar: What I enjoy most about barrel racing is my relationship with my horses, and my relationship with my teammates. I love being able to work so hard at something and grow and thrive and change all with the same companion, my beautiful mare. I also love the way this sport builds character. It is humbling and exciting. Closing thoughts: Skylar: I would like to thank the Jones Family, Bliss Bates, my family, and my sponsors: Scosche and Formula 1, for their huge part in this accomplishment.
50 WPRA NEWS JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2023
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