Laura Francese: Ambassador, Huntress, Lady of Character

Thanks so much to Laura Francese for taking the time to answer some questions. I first interviewed Laura about four years ago over on Desert Rat Outdoors, another part of the OutdoorHub family. In a post-interview conversation with Laura, I mentioned what a tremendous ambassador she is for the industry and a great role model too—especially for younger folks like my teenage daughter. After following Laura all these years she remains honest, charitable, approachable, and scandal-free. We need more like her!

The Desert Rat: It’s been 4 years since I first interviewed you! It looks like you have a lot going on. You’re doing some cool things. What’s a day in the life of Laura like?

Laura Francese: I’ve been busy as usual. It seems like when one door closes, five more open. I started shooting for Strother Archery in January and I’ve enjoyed getting to know everyone there and visiting new shops and attending events on their behalf. I also starting shooting trap, skeet, and sporting clays—things I’ve been wanting to try for a while. It’s so much fun and can’t wait to shoot every chance I get.

I know you miss your teammates; do you miss cheerleading or was it time to move on?

When I retired from the NFL I swore I wouldn’t let myself get out of shape and that’s exactly what I did. I had a pretty severe back injury in April after which I wasn’t even able to walk for a period of time. Thankfully I am feeling much better and have slowly started running and cycling again. I have a personal trainer that I work with and I have started learning how to box as well!

I do miss cheerleading but I have such great memories from the first five years with the Buffalo Jills and I’m so very thankful for the amazing experiences and relationships I had.

I’m betting you were approached by a number of bow companies. What made you pick Strother to work with?

It took me a long time to bring myself to even pick up another manufacturer’s bow, but it was time. I shot Strother’s Hope at the ATA Show and I really liked it. So the choice was easy.

When companies approach you to endorse or represent them, what is your decision making process?

When I am considering companies to work with, the most important thing I consider are the people. I want to work with people that are honest, professional, and want to utilize me. Secondly and just as important is the product itself.

Tell me about Team RWB and your work with them.

Team RWB (Team Red, White & Blue) is a non-profit volunteer veterans organization that helps reintegrate combat and non-combat veterans back into society through social and physical activities. We have a weekly run on “wear the eagle Wednesdays” in which anyone is welcome to join. It’s free to veterans and civilians. You can run, walk, cycle, or just come to meet everyone. I usually participate in at least a couple of activities each week with this charity. It’s such a great way to help our countries veterans.

What have been some of your best adventures or hunting trips in the last year or two? What do you have lined up for the coming year?

I recently attended trapeze school in Chicago and I have to say it was definitely one of the top 10 things I’ve done.

I’ve been fishing a lot and hunting every chance I get. Now that I am retired from cheerleading I can hunt and fish as much as I want. I turkey hunted this last spring in New York, Wyoming, and Michigan. Saw one shooter and missed him! I’ve got mule deer and elk hunting coming up in my home state of Utah. I hope to get to Idaho for elk after Utah and Indiana for whitetail. I’m working with the television show Open Season and hope to get some great footage for them.

I still enjoy water skiing and camping and traveling. Love to cook and bake and thoroughly enjoy spending time with my rescue Weimaraner, Pippa. She is the best human dog ever. Seems like there just isn’t enough time to do it all but I have a pretty nice balance of everything.

Thanks again to Laura for her time, and wishing her all the best in the approaching hunting seasons!

The Desert Rat

I have been a freelance outdoor writer since High School (a long time). I have two successful blogs - Desert Rat which focuses on hunting and fishing in Arizona, the southwest and beyond. If you like smoking, barbecue and other fun cooking stuff, visit the Dry Rubbed Rat. On both sites you'll find cool product reviews, interviews, industry news and more. My "other" job is in Facilities Management. I was born and raised in New Brunswick, Canada; I lived in northern Maine for about 6 years before moving to Arizona 15 years ago. I live in Queen Creek with my wife, daughter and dogs.