Most people start at the beginning—before she became Miss Rodeo America, a WPRA World Champion Breakaway Roper, the first female rodeo commentator on national TV and National Cowgirl and ProRodeo Hall of Fame inductee. At 18, Pam won a state high school barrel racing championship. The following year, in 1972, she was named Miss Helldorado and also won Miss Rodeo Nevada at the state fair in Reno. Two months later, she was Miss Rodeo America. “Vegas wasn’t rodeo central, but there was so much opportunity, and I think that helped me tremendously,” Pam said.