Bio
Despite not being raised in a ranching family, Minick quickly found her home on horseback, excelling amongst both the 4-H and high school ranks en route to being the first woman awarded the Nevada Cowboy Association’s Rookie of the Year title. In the professional ranks, Minick, an accomplished barrel racer and roper, qualified for the Women’s National Finals Rodeo 16 times, and was the 1982 Women’s World Champion Calf Roper. Off the dirt, Minick was also the Turquoise Circuit Director and Vice President of the WPRA, in addition to serving as Vice President of Marketing for Billy Bob’s Texas for more than 30 years. She is credited for being a pioneer for women’s rodeo, helping shepherd in numerous advancements.
After being crowned Miss Rodeo America in 1973, Minick’s career began to blossom and in 1976 she made her broadcasting debut, tapped to cover LIVE rodeo broadcasts on CBS. Minick was the first woman to commentate rodeo on national television and went on to serve on broadcast teams for PBR events as well as NFR telecasts on ESPN, among others. Among her many lists of firsts, Minick’s was the first woman to announce the Houston Livestock Show in 1994. Her natural charisma and commanding presence behind the microphone captivated audiences and played a key role in boosting the sport’s popularity.
