Winning the Miss Missouri USA title marked a moment Shae Smith had worked toward for years. Stepping into the role meant more than wearing a crown. It meant representing her home state on one of the biggest stages in pageantry.
“The moments after crowning with my family stand out the most,” Shae says. “My mom has been my biggest supporter throughout pageants, and it felt like a win for both of us.” Sharing that moment together made the achievement even more meaningful.
Representing Missouri at Miss USA was both surreal and deeply personal. The experience challenged Shae to grow not just in preparation, but in belief. “I had to truly believe I was capable of holding this role,” she shares. “I had to trust that God placed this dream in my heart for a reason.” That mindset pushed her to step confidently into the spotlight, knowing she belonged there.
Her year of service reflects that same purpose. Shae advocates for early scoliosis detection and supports Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, causes rooted in her own life. Diagnosed with scoliosis and undergoing corrective surgery six years ago, she understands the impact of early care. She also raises funds for CMN in honor of her brother and sister, making her advocacy both heartfelt and personal.
Long before the pageant stage, Shae’s foundation was built on Faurot Field. As a member of the Mizzou Golden Girls, she learned what it meant to represent something bigger than herself.
“Being a Golden Girl has been the honor of a lifetime,” she says. “It shaped me not just as a dancer, but as a person.” Years of rehearsals, performances, and representing the University of Missouri taught her discipline that carried into every part of her life.
Balancing Golden Girl commitments with academics and pageant preparation made her senior year her most demanding yet. “It taught me how driven and focused I can actually become,” Shae shares. With the support of professors and mentors at Mizzou, she pushed through long days and late nights, knowing the work was worth it. In May 2026, she will graduate, proud of everything she accomplished along the way.
When the spotlight fades, Shae finds balance in simple moments. Time with family, weekends at the lake, and quick trips to the beach help her recharge. “Being around the people who fill my cup keeps me grounded,” she says.
The Love Local theme holds special meaning for her. Born and raised in Missouri, Shae credits both Bolivar and Columbia for shaping who she is today. “I would not be where I am without the support of my local community,” she shares. “The people are kind, encouraging, and always cheering you on.”
That sense of community carried her through college, pageants, and every challenge in between. It is also what she hopes to pass on to young women who look up to her. Staying focused, leaning on your support system, and trusting the process have been key throughout her journey.
Looking ahead, Shae will graduate in May 2026 before passing on her Miss Missouri USA title. Next, she plans to move to Dallas to pursue a career in medical device sales. While leaving Missouri will be bittersweet, she carries the confidence, discipline, and heart shaped here into whatever comes next. The crown may come off, but her roots will always remain.