North Dakota cowgirl Ashley Andrews is the 2007 Miss Rodeo America. She captured the coveted crown at the conclusion of a weeklong competition featuring 28 contestants from across the country at the 52nd Annual Miss Rodeo America Pageant, held at The Orleans Hotel in Las Vegas. It has been 24 years since a North Dakota cowgirl has won the national title.
The 21-year-old Bowman, ND, resident is a senior at the University of Mary in Bismarck. There, she studies communications, public relations and political science. In the future, she plans to work in the public relations field, specializing in agriculture or cancer awareness.
She will take a hiatus from her studies to represent the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association as Miss Rodeo America. She is expected to travel 100,000 miles and appear at over 100 rodeos over the next year.
Upon completion of her reign, Ashley will have the opportunity to utilize her $10,000 scholarship to further her education.
In addition to rodeo, Ashley also enjoys playing basketball, playing the guitar, motivational speaking, working on political campaigns, and watching the Green Bay Packers. Her community service includes the Lance Armstrong Foundation, Ronald McDonald House, American Cancer Society and the North Dakota Cancer Coalition.
A statuesque beauty at 5’8” with blonde hair, brown eyes and a genuine, heartwarming smile, Ashley is the youngest of six children to parents Bob and Rita Andrews
During her reign as Miss Rodeo North Dakota, Ashley was diagnosed with Hodgkins Lymphoma. After receiving six months of chemotherapy treatment she was given a clean bill of health to compete at the Miss Rodeo America Pageant.
"Having cancer was unexpected and I realized I had to cowgirl up," said Andrews. "Having the love and support of my family and friends helped make my recovery a success."
Taking challenges in stride is a predominant trait for Ashley Andrews. One of Ashley’s favorite quotes is "Opportunity is often missed because it is dressed in overalls and disguised as work."