Najiah Knight desires to be the first woman to compete at the highest level of bull riding, and her parents, Andrew and Missi Knight have encouraged her for years. At the age of 17, this high school student is determined to break down female boundaries on the PBR circuit. Najiah Knight, who was born on September 25, 2006, in Arlington, Oregon, is not your typical adolescent.
She is an American bull rider and a student at Arlington High School. Najiah is a dynamic athlete who plays volleyball and basketball for Arlington High School in addition to her daring exploits in the rodeo arena. Najiah’s introduction to bull riding started at a young age. Beginning with mutton busting at the age of three, she proceeded to ride steers at the age of seven and tiny bulls at the age of nine. Similarly, between 2018 and 2020, she was listed among the nation’s top 15 little bull riders. She also became the first female rider at Madison Square Garden in 2020, defeating her male competitors. She also qualified for the 2023 Junior World Finals in Las Vegas. She was the only female competitor in the 16-18 age group.
Najiah Knight’s Parents: Who Are They?
Najiah Knight was born into a Paiute and Klamath Native American household to Andrew and Missi Knight. Andrew and Missi saw Najiah’s fearlessness from a young age. As a result, they have been staunch supporters of their daughter’s lofty goals.
Meet Andrew Knight, a Coach and Adoring Father
Najiah’s father, Andrew Knight, is not just a proud father but also a coach. He has served as her mentor, teaching her the nuances of the sport. Andrew, a bull rider in open rodeos in the West, awakened Najiah’s interest in bull riding at a young age.
“I’ve been watching my dad from behind the chutes since I was 3 or 4 years old, and I’ve been riding since I was 9,” Najiah Knight said in an interview. “He’s my inspiration.”
Andrew’s cool temperament and optimistic approach have likely impacted Najiah’s own cool demeanor in the arena. In an interview, he recalls Najiah riding sheep, adding, “There was not an inch of movement budging her off, even when she dragged them to the ground.”
Meanwhile, father-daughter training sessions are often performed in the driveway on a barrel equipped with springs and levers to simulate a bull ride. Andrew is constantly with Najiah, making her laugh before she rides. But once she’s in the chute, he switches to encouragement.
Meet Missi Knight, an Emt Who Provides Unwavering Support
Missi Knight, Najiah’s mother, is an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) and a passionate supporter. Missi, as an EMT, is ready to aid her daughter with injuries, knowing the physical toll the sport may take. Despite opposition from certain sources, Missi remains steadfast in supporting her daughter’s aspiration. Najiah’s mother also serves as her business manager, arranging her daughter’s appearances.
She also interacts with sponsors and organizes the rising number of interviews and media appearances. Missi’s responsibility goes beyond logistical assistance to include social media coverage of Najiah’s trip. Najiah Knight has attracted the attention of celebrities and other bull riders thanks to her mother. Missi Knight is essential to Najiah’s success, whether she is documenting her daughter’s rides for analysis or handling the complexities of a successful job.
