CASPER, Wyo. - Nikki Steffes' South Dakota background has helped her get to where she is today.

The University of Wyoming cowgirl's athletic skills, brains, and ever-optimistic attitude are what have earned her a sterling reputation in college rodeo circles.

"I wish they were all like that," UW coach George Howard said. "It's hard to find people like that. They don't come along everyday. You just have to keep your fingers crossed. Maybe there is one in your lifetime that you'll come across, but she has been a phenomenal athlete to work with and be around."

The Vale native is competing in three events at the College National Finals Rodeo this week, along with a myriad of other duties. Steffes is in the running for all-around champion, but she has already unofficially earned that award for being all around the Casper Events Center.

Take Tuesday, for example. Steffes competed in barrel racing and goat tying during slack, then was featured twice during the night performance despite not competing. Steffes carried the Central Rocky Mountain Region's flag during the introductions as part of her region student director duties, then later was presented a scholarship, in part, for maintaining a 4.0 grade-point average in molecular biology and medical microbiology.

Steffes won the 2007 CNFR women's all-around title, and she currently sits sixth in all-around after the first two rounds of the rodeo. Going in, she said her goal was to sweep barrel racing, goat tying, and breakaway roping,

but now she has more realistic views.

"I don't think I'll be able to make the short round in the barrel racing after (Tuesday) morning's run, but we'll see," Steffes said. "There is still another round, and I love the third round and the performances, so hopefully things will go well."

Steffes was third in goat tying, 10th in breakaway roping, and 36th in barrel racing entering the third round, but being in those positions is nothing new for her. The Wyoming senior is competing in her fourth CNFR, and she credits her roots for her rodeo success.

"Every single rodeo association (in the state) is just really tough and really competitive, and I think rodeoing in South Dakota has definitely helped me at the national level, that's for sure," Steffes said.

No matter how she finishes this year, watch out for Steffes in the future. As a student director, she is granted a fifth year of eligibility and Steffes plans to savor it.

"I love college rodeo," Steffes said. "I love everything about it. I mean there is nothing negative about college rodeo at all and I really love it. I'm definitely going to miss it when I have to leave."

And after college the future looks just as bright as the past. Steffes plans to rodeo professionally, then return to school to become a doctor or dentist.

"She can do anything she wants to, because she will put her mind to it and that's what's going to happen," Howard said.