“Cali Griffin is a lifelong cowgirl, Circuit Finals Qualifier, and head rodeo coach at Northwestern Oklahoma State University whose passion for breakaway roping and developing young athletes runs as deep as her grit. Known for her energy, competitiveness, and love for the sport, Cali has built her life around rodeo — both in and out of the arena — mentoring college athletes while still chasing her own competitive dreams.
In this episode, Cali opens up about the storms that nearly ended her career. A devastating hip injury in 2023 set off an 18-month battle marked by chronic pain, surgery, setbacks, self-doubt, and the fear of losing the one thing that had always been her outlet. She shares the raw reality of hitting rock bottom — questioning her identity, her ability, and whether she would ever rope competitively again.
Cali walks listeners through the mental and physical grind of recovery, the loneliness of suffering quietly, and the courage it took to ask for help. From undergoing major hip surgery to ultimately pursuing stem cell therapy in Mexico, her journey is one of humility, perseverance, faith, and learning to let go of control. Through it all, friendships, coaching purpose, and a renewed perspective carried her forward.
This episode is honest, emotional, and deeply relatable. It’s about facing disappointment head-on, redefining success, and finding joy again — not just in winning, but in simply getting to do what you love. Cali’s comeback reminds us that valleys don’t mean the end of the story — sometimes they’re where a new one begins
Listen to this powerful episode on your favorite podcast platform or watch on YouTube via @rodeolive.”
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