The Rise of a Sports Media Pioneer
In the fast-paced world of sports journalism, few stories captivate like Romi Bean’s. She quickly became a household name in Denver. With sharp insights and infectious enthusiasm, Romi Bean, sports journalist, covers big moments in Colorado sports. Plus, she breaks barriers along the way.
As the first woman to serve as lead sports anchor for a major TV station in Denver, her journey truly inspires. She transitioned from Broncos cheerleader to primetime broadcasting. Born in South Africa and raised in Colorado, her love for sports started early. For instance, her father, Joe, introduced her to American football.
Today, as an Emmy-winning journalist at CBS Colorado, she covers the Broncos and Buffaloes. However, Romi stands out for her authenticity. She doesn’t just report news. Instead, she lives it. Through her experiences, she connects with fans personally.
This article explores her early life and media entry. Next, it covers her rise at CBS Colorado and achievements. Finally, we look at her personal life and golf passion. Whether you’re a Broncos fan or admire trailblazers, Romi’s story shines. Ultimately, it shows perseverance and pioneering spirit.
Early Life
Roots in South Africa
Romi Bean’s story begins far from the Rockies. She was born in South Africa to Joe and Sandy Bean. In 1988, the family moved to Colorado. At that time, Romi was just two years old. They escaped apartheid’s turmoil.
Joe, a rugby player turned entrepreneur, adapted quickly. For example, he founded Alphapage, a successful call-service center. It still runs today. Meanwhile, Romi’s half-brother Graeme leads it now.
A New Beginning in Colorado
Growing up in Denver shaped Romi. Her home valued hard work. She calls it the “immigrant mentality.” Her father, now in his mid-80s, faced health challenges. Yet, he became a Broncos fan. He got season tickets in the 1990s.
“When I was young, my dad took me to my first Broncos game,” Romi recalls. “I’d watch every Sunday. That’s where my love for sports began.”
Active Childhood Years
Romi stayed active as a child. She played sports and danced. These activities built skills for her future. At Cherry Creek High School, she excelled in poms. Ultimately, she became a state champion.
Her family supported her fully. Half-brothers Warren, Graeme, and Craig helped. Brother Gregg did too. Despite starting over in America, the Beans thrived. Joe’s spirit inspired Romi. Initially, she dreamed of entrepreneurship. But soon, her path changed. It led to sports and media.
Education and Formative Years
College at CU Boulder
After high school in 2005, Romi attended CU Boulder. She joined the Leeds School of Business. Her goal was clear. She wanted to be an entrepreneur like her dad.
But CU offered more. She balanced academics with fun activities. As a result, these shaped her path.
Balancing Cheerleading and Studies
In her senior year, Romi auditioned for the Broncos cheerleaders. She made it at 18. This overlapped with college. She managed business classes and practices. Consequently, it taught time management.
“My first training camp was on prom day,” she laughs. “Prom friends thought it was cool. But cheer coaches said, ‘Don’t drink!'”
Discovering Communication
At Leeds, Romi joined speech and debate. This sparked her interest in storytelling. Later, those skills proved vital. She graduated with a business degree.
Post-College Exploration
After CU, Romi moved to Los Angeles. She tried marketing. She even got a real estate license. But it didn’t fit. “I realized I can’t sell anything,” she admitted.
Feeling unfulfilled, she returned to Denver. She worked sales at the family business. Then, sports called her back. She rejoined the Broncos cheerleaders. It was a five-year hiatus. That was the longest ever.
Cheerleading Career
First Stint with the Broncos
Romi’s Broncos cheerleading began in 2005. It lasted until 2010. She performed for excited crowds. She saw NFL life up close. The job involved more than dance.
It included charity work. She did community events too. Plus, she built bonds with driven women.
Historic Comeback
After LA, Romi re-auditioned in 2015. She made it during Super Bowl 50 season. “It’s a young woman’s sport,” she said. “Nobody had returned after five years.”
Bringing her dad to the Super Bowl was special. “The Broncos let us bring companions. I chose Dad. He started my football love. Sharing it was a highlight.”
Lessons from the Sidelines
Cheerleading gave insider access. It fueled Romi’s analysis skills. Director Shawna Peters noted, “Romi loved sports beyond poms. She cheered for the best seat.”
This bridged her media shift. Her eloquence impressed radio host Andy Lindahl.
Career Milestones Table
| Year | Milestone | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 2005 | Joins Broncos Cheerleaders | Starts first stint with high school/college. |
| 2010 | Ends First Stint | Graduates CU, moves to LA. |
| 2015 | Returns to Cheerleaders | Historic comeback; Super Bowl 50 team. |
| 2017 | Enters TV at CBS | Starts part-time Broncos coverage. |
| 2018 | Goes Full-Time | Becomes weekend sports anchor. |
| 2023 | Named Lead Anchor | First woman in Denver market. |
| 2024 | Hosts Coach Prime’s Playbook | Covers Deion Sanders and CU Buffs. |
Transition to Journalism
Serendipitous Start in Radio
Romi’s media entry was lucky. After a cheer interview on KOA, she told Andy Lindahl her dream. He mentored her. He offered shadowing. “Many don’t show up,” he said. “Romi did.”
She started as a board operator at Orange and Blue Radio. Soon, she went on-air. She worked with Lindahl and Ed McCaffrey. “Romi is the best!” McCaffrey said. “She had star power from day one.”
Move to Television
In 2017, CBS’s Tim Wieland heard her on radio. He liked her knowledge. He invited her for Broncos reports. “She really knew her stuff,” Wieland recalled.
With no journalism degree, she started part-time. She went full-time in 2018. Early days were tough. “I botched locker room questions. Everything was a mess,” she confessed.
Overcoming Doubts
Romi faced imposter syndrome. Her cheer background drew skepticism. “There was more pressure than I expected,” she said. “But it motivated me. I’d prove them wrong.”
Her effort paid off. Therefore, it led to her 2023 promotion.
Rise at CBS Colorado
Breaking Barriers
At CBS Colorado, Romi became a staple. She hosts Xfinity Monday Live. She also does Coach Prime’s Playbook with Deion Sanders. Her coverage includes Broncos, Nuggets, and Avalanche.
In August 2024, she filmed the first Playbook episode. She noted field prep for CU’s opener.
Lead Anchor Role
As lead anchor, she’s on an all-female evening team. It’s a Denver first. “We searched nationwide,” said Kristine Strain. “But Romi was the best local fit. Viewers know and respect her.”
Peer Praise
Romi’s style engages fans. It’s knowledgeable too. Vic Lombardi said, “She’s learning on the job. And doing it right.”
Notable Achievements and Awards
Early Emmy Win
Romi’s accolades show her talent. She won an Emmy for “Colorado Sportswomen.” She hosted and produced it.
Top Honors in 2023
In 2023, she shared Colorado Sportscaster of the Year. The National Sports Media Association gave it. She split it with Conor McGahey.
Gracie Award Triumph
In 2024, she earned a Gracie Award. The Alliance for Women in Media honored her. It was for sports talent and dedication.
Awards Table
| Award | Year | Organization | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Emmy Award | Pre-2023 | Heart of the Rockies | For hosting/producing women’s sports show |
| Colorado Sportscaster of the Year | 2023 | National Sports Media Association | Top sports broadcasting honors in CO |
| Gracie Award | 2024 | Alliance for Women in Media | For sports talent and commitment |
These prove Romi Bean, sports journalist, as an industry force.
Coverage of Denver Broncos
Preseason Success
Romi’s Broncos reporting is legendary. In 2024, she celebrated preseason wins. “Preseason over! Broncos win all three. QB1 set. Perfect!”
Post-Game Insights
She hosts post-game shows. She interviews on TikTok and Instagram. Fans get behind-the-scenes looks.
Unique Perspective
Her cheer past helps. “I’m a conduit between players and fans,” she says. “I connect what they love.”
Expanding Horizons
Nuggets and Avalanche
Beyond Broncos, Romi covers Nuggets championships. She reports Avalanche Stanley Cup runs.
CU Buffs Focus
She follows CU Buffs under Deion Sanders. In August 2024, she covered open practice. “Full house at All City Stadium,” she reported.
Versatile Reporting
Romi does features and live hits. This makes her a top journalist.
Personal Life
Family First
Romi keeps personal details private. She’s married to a supportive partner. His name stays undisclosed. They share mutual respect.
Family matters most. Her parents watch her shows. Joe compares her rise to drafting Terrell Davis.
Golf Passion
Recently, golf hooked Romi. “I’m obsessed,” she says. “It’s humbling. Like my career.”
Wellness Routine
She practices yoga too. It balances her busy schedule.
Impact on Women in Sports Media
Shattering Ceilings
As Denver’s first female lead anchor, Romi inspires. The field is male-dominated. “It’s sad it’s 2023 and we’re still talking about this,” Strain said.
Empowering Events
She hosts “Girls in the Game.” It empowers young women.
Authentic Path
Romi shows unconventional roads work. She urges authenticity and effort.
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Conclusion
Romi Bean, sports journalist, embodies resilience. She shows pure passion. From South African roots to Denver barriers broken, her journey inspires.
She continues covering Colorado sports. Her impact goes beyond TV. It paves ways for generations. Sports unite us. Romi’s story proves it. With determination, anyone moves from sidelines to spotlight. Her future glows bright. Expect more awards, stories, and shattered ceilings.
FAQs
Who is Romi Bean?
Romi Bean is a sports journalist. She anchors at CBS Colorado. She’s the first female lead in Denver. She covers local teams.
What is Romi Bean’s background?
Born in South Africa, she moved to Colorado at 2. She cheered for Broncos. Then she entered media without a journalism degree.
What awards has Romi Bean won?
She won an Emmy, Colorado Sportscaster of the Year, and a Gracie Award.
How did Romi Bean start her career?
She began in radio after cheerleading. Andy Lindahl mentored her. She joined CBS in 2017.
What shows does Romi Bean host?
She hosts Coach Prime’s Playbook with Deion Sanders. She also does Xfinity Monday Live.