Trailblazer Bonnie-Jill Laflin chats with Sports As Told By A Girl once again to discuss her latest project, In A League of Her Own. The National Basketball League’s first and only female scout knows just how difficult it is to navigate the sports world. The owner of six championship rings from two different leagues, however, she must have done a damn good job. In her book she bridges the gap from the women of the past who broke the glass ceilings to the women of the present and future showing that limits don’t exist.
In A League of Her Own, Laflin explores the trials and tribulations of other women in sports including Billie Jean King, Laila Ali, Jackie Joyner-Kersee, and many more. She opens up about the importance of representation and how we can continue to break down barriers for women in sports.
From when you first started your career, what changes have you seen in representation in the sports world?
Representation has increased tremendously and will hopefully continue to do so until it becomes normal enough that we don’t have to think about it. The changes are soapparent when you see women like Sabrina Ionescu going shot for shot with one of the greatest shooters in NBA history, the most talked about collegiate athlete in the nation is Caitlin Clark, Teresa Gould is the new commissioner of the Pac-12, Jennifer King is a coach for the Chicago Bears, Jenny Cavner is the first play by play announcer in MLB history, Dany Garcia is the CEO of the XFL, NBA referee Ashley Moyer-Gleich is constantly viral on social media, and women’s sports are filling more and more seats. It’s amazing. 10, 15, 20 years ago these things may have been considered a novelty or a PR stunt. Now it’s becoming more and more commonplace.
Who are some of your inspirations?
Many ladies in my book including Jayne Kennedy, whose career I can relate to on so many levels. Nadia Comăneci, five-time Olympic gold medalist, I looked up to her growing up watching her struggles and her triumphs during her Olympic run. And those I’m hoping will be in my 2nd book Becky Hammon for sure and the respect she received especially the trust from Greg Popovich, hall of fame coach.
Why do you think it’s important that the younger generation is knowledgeable about the women who moved the needle in sports before them?
It’s important they know that there is a space for them in sports and all different capacities not just being on the sideline from being on the court on the ice to the front office and that there are these powerful ladies in my book to show that you can do it. It was important for me to have the more popular ladies in my book but also the ladies that have been forgotten or didn’t know their story.
What do you want women to learn from your journey in sports?
You don’t have to have the conventional journey to get to be successful in a role in sports you can come from all different walks of life. Make sure you’re comfortable in your own skin and not to duplicate anyone else and even if you are the only woman in a room, be comfortable in both your feminine and masculine side, and shine bright. Don’t dream it, be it.
Besides gender equality in sports, what other causes are you passionate about?
My charity Hounds, Heroes and Horses that I started in 2010. Rescuing dogs from the shelter and pairing them up as service and therapy dogs for combat veterans dealing with PTSD, TBI and amputees. Assisting in the homeless veteran crisis in America. As well as wounded warrior equine therapy retreats with rescued horses, we saved off the racetrack and slaughter kill lots. Additionally, we’ve expanded our equine therapy for disabled children.
What is the best advice you’ve learned in your career?
From the late legend himself, Kobe Bryant. He told me to go through my career with a chip on my shoulder as this will drive you to prove people wrong. The haters and naysayers will fuel the fire and make success that much sweeter. Also to never be complacent–there is no room for mediocre or laziness, strive to be the best Even when you’re on top of your game and always outworking everyone With your 110% work ethic.
