Breaking Barriers: The Inspiring Journey of Bonnie-Jill Laflin

In a world where sports broadcasting often felt like a man's game, Bonnie-Jill Laflin emerged as a transformative force, breaking barriers and setting a dazzling array of records. As the first female NBA scout and the first female assistant GM for the NBA G League, her journey with the Los Angeles Lakers was just the beginning of a storied career filled with unprecedented achievements.

Bonnie-Jill's tale began as a child model and dancer, as a member of the San Francisco Ballet Company she made history by becoming the first woman to perform at a professional level for three teams across two major sports. Her dynamic journey took flight with the NBA's Golden State Warriors, where she not only showcased her talent but also earned the title of NBA Cheerleader of the Year as a rookie before she electrified the NFL, cheering for both the San Francisco 49ers and the Dallas Cowboys. With the Cowboys, she was part of the beloved Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders, often referred to as "America's Sweethearts." Bonnie-Jill graced the cover of the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader calendar and was a member of the renowned Show Group, further solidifying her status in the world of sports entertainment. Her dedication and talent earned her six championship rings—one from the Super Bowl and five from the NBA—a testament to her remarkable dual-sport prowess.

An alum of the University of Texas and the former Miss Dallas/Ft Worth USA, Bonnie-Jill has also graced the covers of magazines worldwide, including GQ, Esquire, Women's Health, ESPN The Magazine, Maxim, FHM, and more. You may also recognize her from national print campaigns, featuring her on billboards in Times Square alongside brands like Coors Light, Bacardi, Nike, Wrangler, FedEx, McDonald's and Guess. She even made a memorable appearance as a suitcase model on Deal or No Deal. If that's not enough, she has been featured in various movies and recurring roles guest starring in shows like Baywatch, Ally MCBeal, CSI, and Key and Peele.

This year, Bonnie-Jill reached yet another milestone, as a best-selling author with her book, In a League of Her Own: Celebrating Female Firsts in Sports, while co-hosting the groundbreaking "Women's Western Sports Roundup" on the Cowgirl Channel, solidifying her role as a champion for women in sports. Her voice resonates on the airwaves as the host of the afternoon drive radio show on 98.7 Spot, alongside her roles as a reporter for the Dallas Cowboys TV network on "Girls Talk Boys Talk," the only all-female Dallas Cowboys show and an insider for Texas Longhorns football. She also serves as an MMA ring reporter for Shawne Merriman's "Lights Out Extreme Fighting."

Beyond her media presence, Bonnie-Jill is a competitive barrel racer and a proud member of the Sheriff's Mounted Posse, having ridden in the Rose Bowl Parade. Recently, she created her own rodeo drill and flag team, The Liberty Belles, showcasing her deep-rooted passion for rodeo and western culture.

Her experience extends beyond local broadcasts. She's graced the screens of major sports networks like ESPN, NBC Sports, CBS, SIRIUS XM, NFL Films and internationally as a sports correspondent for BBC. Laflin is a host and ambassador for Michael Jordan's "Jordan Brand" for nearly 20 years. Bonnie-Jill's infectious enthusiasm and profound understanding of various sports—including NFL, NBA, MLB, MMA, boxing, horse racing, and rodeo—makes her an incredibly versatile figure in the sports world, enriching fans' experiences with her insightful commentary.

But Bonnie-Jill is more than just a sports icon; she's a passionate philanthropist. She founded Hounds and Heroes and Horses in 2011, dedicated to pairing shelter dogs with combat veterans in need of therapy or service dogs, from PTS, TBI and amputees. Beyond this vital work, she extends her efforts through equine therapy programs for veterans, first responders, and children of fallen soldiers, using horses she has saved from horse slaughter and off-track thoroughbreds.

Her passion for animals and veterans continues as she has been lobbying on Capitol Hill, working on numerous bills since 2010. Her commitment to improving the lives of those who have served is evident in her numerous visits to military bases around the world, including 19 USO tours including Iraq and Afghanistan.

Now, she resides on her Battle Buddy Ranch in Fort Worth, Texas, surrounded by her rescued animals, continuing to inspire others with her unwavering spirit and dedication to both sports and humanitarian efforts. Bonnie-Jill Laflin is not just a name; she's a trailblazer whose story of determination and compassion resonates far beyond the realm of sports.