Shear Brilliance: Texas A&M Wool Judging Teams repeat national sweep
Team participation about more than just the judging stage
The Texas A&M College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Wool Judging Teams repeated history by sweeping the Intercollegiate National Wool Judging competition at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.
Coaches and students alike emphasized that the experience leading up to the final competition, along with the class they take as part of it, prepares them for much more than the judging competition. These high-impact learning experiences prepare them for success in college and beyond.
In 2025, the team brought home the national champion and reserve national champion titles, mirroring their sweeping win in 2023. Seven students were named to the All-American Wool judging team.
The team was coached by Shawn Ramsey, Ph.D., assistant department head for academics in the Department of Animal Science and Wool Judging Teams coordinator; graduate student coach Shane Flanagan; and undergraduate assistant coaches Jaxson Zimmerman, Carson Carter and Ben Flanagan. The team consisted of 20 freshman students.
“I have to give credit to my team of coaches and the students,” Flanagan said. “A lot of hours and work go into coaching the team, and the students work hard to succeed.”
Individual placings and All-American selection
Two Texas A&M teams competed in the national contest: the maroon team and white team, as well as teams of alternates. Each team consisted of four students. In addition to the team victories, eight students ranked among the top 10 overall individuals.
Overall Individual Winners:
- Marti Ducote, Jourdanton, first.
- Taryn O’Brien, Sinton, second.
- Cadence Morisette, Grandbury, third.
- Turner Matkin, Boerne, fourth.
- Danni Hilton, Florence, fifth.
- Jace Burkholder, Boerne, seventh.
- Abigail Slack, Judson, eighth.
- Luke Bauer, Red Rock, 10th.
Seven team members were named to the All-American Wool judging team, which was selected through a cumulation of wool judging scores throughout the season and academic achievement.
Those earning the All-American title were:
- Avery Detten, Hereford.
- Marti Ducote.
- Turner Matkin.
- Cadence Morrisette.
- Taryn O’Brien.
- Briley Roeder, Fredericksburg.
- Abigail Slack.
Other team members include Bella Autrey, Diana; Brady Prukop, Rio Medina; Dieter Ally, Friona; Garrison Pieniazek, Ropesville; Jacob Conner, Harper; Kahla Simpton, Castroville; Kyler Wendt, College Station; Mikayla Birney, Hondo; Ryan Gilliam, Hondo; and Sarah Keesecker, Humble.
A winning tradition
Each year, the coaches and team take part in a five-month season filled with workouts, judging trips and competitions. Over the past five years, the Texas A&M Wool Judging Team has swept the contest three times and finished as reserve champions in the other two, Ramsey said.
Last year, the team missed a sweep by just one point, Flanagan said. This season, he was determined to bring home the win.
“We had a slow start to the season, and I was tough on the team,” Flanagan said. “But after San Antonio, something clicked for the team. They came together to become one team. They would hang out outside of practice and help each other get better.”
Flanagan said this team dynamic shift helped propel the team to success.
More than a contest
Ramsey has been coaching wool judging for almost 30 years, starting in 1996. Each fall semester, he teaches the wool evaluation class. The course is designed to help freshmen adjust to college life, provide resources, make friends and connections, and learn about evaluating wool.
“The class is an excellent avenue for freshmen to be involved,” Ramsey said. “We tell the class they don’t have to know anything about wool; they just have to show up, try hard and we will teach them everything.”
Around early November, Ramsey begins asking the students if they want to join the Wool Judging Team. The group competes in several practice contests until the top 15 to 20 students are identified. Ramsey explained this group often bonds like a family and supports one another throughout the season.
“It’s really neat to see how much that group will band together for support,” he said. “That support catapults them to success.”
Team member Cadence Morisette said her dream had always been to attend Texas A&M and become a veterinarian. When she was accepted, she said she felt a little overwhelmed by the size of the university; however, the wool judging class became her safe place.
Although Morisette had never judged wool before, she learned quickly and found success in both the class and competitions.
“At the beginning, it was very competitive to get on the team,” Morisette said. “But after the first few contests, we decided as a group to pull together to practice outside of practice and help each other.”
She said this experience taught her lessons she will take to veterinary school.
“I really learned that a team atmosphere creates success and camaraderie,” Morisette said.
Desire for student success
High-impact learning experiences are the backbone to hands-on learning in the College. The Department of Animal Science has more than 100 different high-impact learning experiences.
Wool judging is one of the multiple competitive teams available to students in the department. These teams are considered high-impact learning experiences, similar to internships, study abroad programs and undergraduate research, because of the time commitment and practical learning involved.
According to the department’s strategic plan, one of its goals is for every student to participate in at least one high-impact learning experience before graduation. The aim is to ensure students gain more than just an education. They also build connections, engage in hands-on experiences and take advantage of meaningful opportunities.
“The Department of Animal Science prides itself on having the best and brightest students,” Clay Mathis, Ph.D., department head said. “Seeing these students succeed outside of the classroom in high-impact learning opportunities like competitive teams, shows the dedication this department puts into ensuring that every single graduate is ready for the next step.”
