Red Deer Polytechnic Queen named 2026 CCFR High Point Cowgirl

Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP) first-year student-athlete Kaybree Zunti has had a season to remember in the Canadian Collegiate Rodeo Association (CCRA). After consistently ranking at or near the top of the leaderboard throughout the 2025-26 season, Zunti completed the season with another remarkable performance at the recent Canadian College Finals Rodeo (CCFR) in Rimbey. Her efforts earned her the title of 2026 CCFR High Point Cowgirl, finishing with an impressive 795 points.

In Team Roping, Zunti and partner Tray Hoffman of Lakeland College dominated the field, capturing top spot with a total of 380 points.

"Winning the CCFR in Team Roping with her partner, along with earning the 2026 Overall High Point Cowgirl, reflects Kaybree's talent, determination and ability to perform under pressure," says Guy Kelley, RDP Rodeo Head Coach. "She's the kind of athlete every coach wants on their team, and we are beyond proud of how she represented the RDP program all season long."

Zunti, a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology student from Unity, Saskatchewan, continued to excel in individual events. She earned a total of 250 points in Breakaway Roping over three days. This included a first-place finish on Sunday when she completed the event in only 3.5 seconds, accumulating 100 points.

Zunti added another 30 points in Barrel Racing and 135 points in Goat Tying, saving her best tying performance for Sunday (8.8 seconds).

Throughout the finals, Zunti's composure stood out just as much as her results. Trina Carroll, RDP Student Life and Rodeo Team Coordinator, noted the significance of her poise during a pivotal year for the program.

"It's been a rebuilding year for us, and being the only Queen to qualify for the finals this season likely carried a great deal of pressure," says Carroll. "Despite that, she remained calm and focused each day. We're incredibly proud of what she has accomplished this season and look forward to what's ahead for her and the team next season."

This past year, the Red Deer Polytechnic Rodeo team featured seven Queens. Six members of the team were new student-athletes, making Zunti's achievements even more meaningful within a developing roster.

Her success has been recognized beyond the arena. At the RDP Athletics Awards held April 1, Zunti was honoured as both Rookie of the Year and Most Valuable on the Queens Rodeo team.

Zunti plans to return to Red Deer Polytechnic next season and compete with the Queens, hoping to build on her incredible first-year results.