Presley Whitesides crowned Miss USU 2026
Presley Whitesides, representing Miss Involvement, was crowned Miss USU on April 7 during Utah State University’s annual Miss USU Pageant, held at 7 p.m. in the Evan N. Stevenson ballroom in the TSC.
The pageant featured a mix of talent performances, on-stage questions and interviews, with contestants representing various campus organizations. Highlights included a vocal performance by Miss Art Sahalie Nelson of “Life on Mars?” by David Bowie, a dance and DJ routine from Miss Business Carly Veile and a flute performance by Miss Greek Shailynn Spangler.
Rylee Patterson Miss USU contestant Shailynn Spangler plays the flute for her talent in the TSC ballroom on April 7.
Other awards presented included Miss Congeniality, given to Miss Education & Human Services Berkeley Pitcher, and the People’s Choice Award, awarded to Veile. Miss Student Alumni Association Eliza Thaxton was named second attendant, and Miss Athlete Natalie Hartley was first attendant.
Whitesides, a junior studying public relations, is involved in the Stephen R. Covey Leadership Center, serves as a university ambassador, participates in the Public Relations Student Society of America and has served on the USUSA Traditions Committee.
“It had always been a bucket list item,” Whitesides said about the pageant. “I’m someone who loves being on this stage. I just love performing.”
Whitesides said part of why she applied this year was that it was her final opportunity to compete.
“Even if I hadn’t won, this experience and the girls were phenomenal,” Whitesides said. “I just haven’t had an experience like it here at Utah State.”
Her talent performance combined singing and dancing. As a singer-songwriter, she created and mixed her music track herself and enlisted friends to help choreograph the dance.
“My best friend is on Dance Co, and I asked her and a couple of my other best friends, ‘Would you teach me how to dance?’” Whitesides said. “I don’t dance by trade. I wouldn’t say I’m technically great at it.”
Rylee Patterson USU judges during the Miss USU Pageant on April 7 in the TSC ballroom.
She explained the biggest challenge of the evening was both singing and dancing simultaneously.
“They were teaching me hip-hop, and it’s hard hitting, and you’re moving your body, and you’re like, ‘Wait, I need to take a breath here,’” Whitesides said. “They were just incredible. We rehearsed weekly for the past two months.”
One of Whitesides’ favorite moments was the question portion of the pageant.
“I love storytelling. I was like, ‘Okay, I’m going to tell a story, and it’s either going to land or it’s not what they’re looking for, and that’s okay,’” Whitesides said. “Luckily, it was something they enjoyed and resonated with.”
Spangler also shared her experience in the pageant.
“Truthfully, I did it for the lore,” Spangler said. “I applied, interviewed and was chosen as Miss Greek, and now I’m here.”
Spangler said preparing for her talent performance and stepping on stage were both exciting and intimidating.
“I’m just an anxious person, so I was scared about a lot of it,” Spangler said. “But it’s so fun, even if you don’t win, to go on stage and celebrate everything you represent.”
Both contestants emphasized the importance of connection and support, saying the other contestants were part of what made the experience so meaningful.
“It’s such a good group of women every year — people who are confident and have made an impact here at USU,” Spangler said.
Whitesides said she wants to use her platform to help students unlock their potential and collaborate with organizations that cheer people on, guiding them to explore resources and opportunities on campus.
“I want people to see there are resources here and there’s a place for you here,” Whitesides said.
The 2026 Miss USU Pageant showcased not only talent and poise but also leadership, community involvement and the spirit of the university. Both Whitesides and Spangler said the experience gave them lasting memories, friendships and the opportunity to inspire fellow students to engage and explore their own potential.
“I want students to know you’re going to find your people here and you’re going to find a place in the Aggie family,” Whitesides said.