A pageant pro, Nicole won the crown of Miss Texas USA 2003 and ended up as 2nd runner-up to Miss USA 2004. She is one of the few Texas "double crown winners," having also served as Miss Texas Teen 2000. She was the 1st runner-up to Miss Teen USA 2001 and won the swimsuit competition as well.
Nicole applied for The Amazing Race with her then-boyfriend Brandon because she "knew it would be an adventure of a lifetime....and it was!" The skydiving task stands out as a favorite of hers and she loved Egypt best of all. "Descending 350 feet into the Great Pyramid" remains her favorite Race memory. Nicole has high praise for Chip and Kim (TAR5). "They were honorable and fair. They were a great couple for me to look up to!"
As the youngest racer and least travel-experienced of her season, Nicole was eager to travel around the world and hoped to see as much as possible. Luckily, she and Brandon were able to experience every leg, finishing the Race in third place.
The Race was a very positive experience for Nicole. "I look at what God has given me with much more thanks. My family, my home, my friends......I just don't take for granted things like this anymore." Nicole would run the Race again without a moment's hesitation. "But I would have to change partners, since Brandon and I are no longer together. My fiancée Brad would love to share an experience like that with me." She knows that she will cherish her Race memories forever.
Currently, Nicole is President of Bee Your Best, Inc. and is a presentation and pageant consultant, and also works as a public speaker, print model and actress. She and her mother are co-founders of "My Stuff Matters," an organization to benefit children in the foster care system. She is also a passionate volunteer for the American Cancer Society and Susan G. Komen Race for a Cure.
In her spare time she loves to travel. She also says that "working out and playing with my dog Louis take up most of my time. I also love anything that has to do with my fiancé." She is excited about getting married and describes herself as romantic, loving and understanding.
