Biography
A childhood member of the San Francisco Ballet, Bonnie-Jill parlayed her looks, training, and love of sports into a career as a professional cheerleader - First with the Golden State Warriors (winning NBA Cheerleader of the Year), then to the San Francisco 49ers Goldrush Cheerleading squad, (attaining her Super Bowl ring) She then moved to Texas to pursue studies at University of Texas earning her Bachelors degree in Broadcast Journalism and dancing for the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders, where she was also selected to grace the cover of their internationally known swimsuit calendar.
Moving to Los Angeles for broadcasting opportunities, she became a feature reporter for the sports department of the CBS stations, often sent to focus on the World Champion Los Angeles Lakers. During this time, she worked for ESPN, NFL Network, SPIKE-TV, and more, as a host, reporter, and commentator, proving she knew her way all around the proverbial sports pages.
Her reporting on the Lakers drew the attention of Owner Jerry Buss, who was so impressed with Bonnie-Jill's eye and insight that he chose he to become the first and only female scout in the NBA for the Lakers. Her success as a scout was immediate, and the Lakers' Basketball Operations Department expanded her responsibilities to include Assistant General Manager for the Lakers' Minor League Team, the Los Angeles D- Fenders. Bonnie-Jill's Laker years netted her five NBA World Championship rings.
Though her success in sports was calling, Los Angeles was not willing to let someone as beautiful as Bonnie-Jill slip out of its reach - a ridiculously successful model and actress, Bonnie-Jill has been featured in FHM, Maxim, GQ, Esquire and Sports Illustrate; just to name a few. Her successful modeling career led to recurring roles on various shows including "Baywatch" and "Ally McBeal."Bonnie-Jill has appeared in dozens of commercials and ad campaigns, 6 country music videos including one with Dierks Bentley (named "Sexiest Video of the Year" by CMT), and enough print that both FXM and MAXIM named her to their "Sexiest Women" lists.
Additionally, Laflin hosted a Fantasy Football and Basketball show on Sirius/XM Satellite, ESPN Austin hosting pre and post game shows for the Dallas Cowboys and Texas Longhorns. She has written many stories for ESPN.com and makes appearances as a contributor for Fox News. Giving back is imperative to Bonnie-Jill. She a dedicated supporter of the troops and has traveled to Afghanistan, Iraq and other countries on 20 Goodwill and USO tours. She continues to visit our veterans and and wounded warriors stateside at VA hospitals. Bonnie-Jill is also heavily involved in animal welfare issues and has been featured in numerous national campaigns encouraging compassion for all animals. Her philanthropy work for both the military and animal welfare is a passion for Bonnie-Jill which caused her to form her charity "Hounds and Heroes".
Bonnie-Jill Laflin is currently (2016) a reporter for Fox Sports and BBC Sports.
