For many young 4-H’ers, the bond between handler and animal is built in the show ring, the barn, or the pasture—but for Addison Connolly, that connection happens at top speed on an agility course!

On March 2, 2025, Coach Susan Cochran announced the American Kennel Club’s 2025 AKC Junior World Agility Team USA, the only junior agility team in the country. Among the talented 24 junior handlers selected to compete at the Junior Open Agility World Championship (JOAWC) in Portugal this July is none other than Addison Connolly of Trempealeau County, Wisconsin, and her Border Collie, Cooper!

Addison’s journey to the world stage has been shaped by dedication, countless hours of training, and a deep understanding of animal behavior—skills she’s strengthened through her 4-H experience. Competing in dog agility at an international level requires not just physical endurance and quick thinking, but also an unbreakable bond between handler and dog. Addison and Cooper will be up against the best young competitors from around the world, racing through agility courses designed to test speed, precision, and teamwork.

Addison is proud to represent not just her home state of Wisconsin, but also 4-H, her community, and the American Kennel Club on this incredible journey. We can’t wait to cheer her on as she and Cooper take on the world this summer!