Brooke began her reign on January 1st, and has traveled throughout her state and the United States representing Illinois and the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association.

Brooke is a sophomore at Bradley University in Peoria, Illinois, where she is a double major in English/Secondary Education with plans to obtain her Master's Degree in Educational Leadership. She is also a cheerleader for the Bradley Braves. Brooke is the second of four children and the daughter of Brian Owen and Gina Abbott-Owen.

A member of the Women's Professional Rodeo Association, Brooke was a two-time Illinois High School Rodeo state finalist in pole bending and barrel racing and a member of the Wrangler All-Star Rodeo Team. She was also the 2007 Junior Barrel Racing Champion at the Sharon Camarillo Eastern Classic.

"As a cowgirl, my love for rodeo lives deep within who I am, and I embrace the western way of life. Being Miss Rodeo Illinois has been a dream of mine and I feel truly blessed. I am living proof that dreams do come true. My family and I are very close and have supported each other with everything we do. With their love and encouragement, I have lived without boundaries and reached for the stars."

In addition to her professional duties as Miss Rodeo Illinois, Brooke volunteers with 4-H, Riding Clubs, Central Illinois Riding Therapy, Easter Seals, and St. Jude Midwest Affiliate in central Illinois. In her spare time she likes running, kick-boxing, tap dancing, tumbling, drawing, riding and spending time with her family and friends.

Brooke will compete for Miss Rodeo America 2012 in the 57th annual Miss Rodeo America pageant December 3rd-10th at the MGM Grand Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada. 

-Brooke M'lynn Owen