By Michelle Vasquez | Photography by David Teran
There’s something powerful about a woman pursuing her passions—especially when those interests break stereotypes and push boundaries.
Whether on the water, in the stadium, or behind the wheel of a high-performance car, these women show us that following your passion can be empowering.
Amber Haynes
Owner, McKenna Quinn
Amber Haynes’s love for fishing began as a family affair. “My father took me everywhere,” she recalls. “We spent a lot of time fishing and duck hunting along the coasts of Mexico, Costa Rica, Florida, and across the U.S.” For Haynes, time spent outdoors with her family is precious. It’s a legacy that spans two generations and fills her with pride.
Haynes believes fishing is for anyone who enjoys being in nature. “Getting started is as simple as obtaining a fishing license and booking a trip with a guide or going with a friend,” she advises. Many local fishing shops are well-connected with guides who can show you the ropes and take you to the best spots. This area has ample opportunities to fish in San Antonio, New Braunfels, and Boerne, Texas.
While the sport has traditionally been male-dominated, Haynes notes that the landscape is evolving. “We’re seeing more attention given to women in outdoor activities. The more we support and create opportunities for women, the more natural it becomes to see women fishing or hunting,” she says.
Her passion for the sport led her to open a store, McKenna Quinn, 2017, specializing in women’s hunting and fishing apparel. But that’s not all—Haynes also organizes women-focused trips, whether it’s a “cast and blast” day of fishing in the morning and bird hunting in the afternoon or dedicated fishing adventures across Texas and the U.S. “I wanted to build a community where women encourage and support each other in outdoor activities—whether on the water or in the field,” says Haynes. “Being outdoors is healing. It boosts our confidence and gives us a sense of accomplishment.”
Haynes’s experience ranges from shallow-water bonefishing and deep-sea fishing for marlin or tuna to river-based fly fishing. Her community is grounded in respect for nature. “Spending time outdoors fosters a desire to protect and steward the landscape. I want my daughters to be able to take their children hunting and fishing, just like I get to take them,” she shares.
For beginners, Haynes recommends experimenting with different casting rods under the guidance of a professional. She also reminds newcomers to wear comfortable, flexible clothing, sunglasses, a hat, and plenty of sunscreen.
Jennifer West
President of The Alamo Area Browns Backers Football Club
Just as Haynes finds strength in connecting with nature, Jennifer West finds her sense of community in something different—football.
As president of The Alamo Area Browns Backers Football Club, Jennifer West’s dedication to the Cleveland Browns runs deep. Growing up in Ohio, where football is treated with near-religious fervor, her connection to the team feels almost inevitable. “I grew up watching the Cleveland Browns on Sundays with my dad. It was his thing, but together, we created memories of some great moments,” West shares fondly.
West moved to Texas the same year the Browns relocated and became the Baltimore Ravens. The void left by her team led her to step back from watching football. But a few years later, driving past the Fox and Hound in San Antonio, she noticed a crowd proudly sporting Cleveland Browns gear. Intrigued, she stopped in—and instantly felt at home. “I walked into what felt like a tribe that feeds my soul—rooting for the Browns,” she says. “It’s great to watch the game with people who share your passion for football.”
The Alamo Area Browns Backers group, founded in 1985, has been a staple for Cleveland fans in San Antonio. West became president in 2023, leading a group that gathers regularly at Little Woodrow’s in Stone Oak, attracting 80 to 140 fans per game. Many members still hold season tickets in Cleveland and even travel back to watch games live while their satellite club in Texas cheers them on.
“What I love about the Browns is that we won in the ’60s before I was born, but we haven’t had a championship since then. Yet, there’s always that hope for a winning season,” West notes, her optimism unwavering. Her favorite player? Nick Chubb, the running back powerhouse who consistently breaks through defensive lines.
When asked what it takes to be a true football fanatic, West’s answer is simple: loyalty. “You have to stand by your team, win or lose. The Pittsburgh Steelers are our biggest rival, and that rivalry makes it even more fun,” she adds with a smile. For women who feel intimidated by the sport, West encourages them to join a club centered around their favorite team. “It’s a great way to socialize and learn the game in a supportive environment.”
Those interested in joining the Alamo Area Browns Backers Club can visit their website for details on membership and events. “We’re an inclusive group,” West emphasizes, “with members of all ages, abilities and backgrounds.”
Beth Brunton
Prestige Motor Sports
While Jennifer West finds her thrill in the roar of a stadium crowd, Beth Brunton prefers the roar of a finely tuned engine. For Brunton, high-performance vehicles aren’t just toys—they’re a statement of independence and empowerment.
Beth Brunton, a native of South Texas, never anticipated a life filled with global adventures, a family of two daughters, and a passion for exotic cars. For Brunton, high-performance luxury vehicles are more than just a hobby — they’re a lifestyle, a thrill, and a way to inspire other women to take control, both behind the wheel and in life.
Brunton’s journey into the world of exotics began when she and her husband, Ben, both 22 at the time, lived in England and won a Porsche 911 Targa. “To bring the car home, we had to take driving courses just to get insured!” Brunton recalls. “From then on, I was hooked. I promised myself that one day I’d own a car like this, and soon enough, our dream came true with a garage full of exotics.” (Exotics refers to high-performance, luxury cars.)
For Brunton, it’s all about the speed. “I’m a huge Formula One fan,” she says. “My husband, Ben, and I have been attending races for years, especially at the Circuit of the Americas in Austin. The adrenaline, the precision — it’s unmatched!” While most admire exotic cars for their beauty, Brunton values the performance dynamics that make each one unique. “The adrenaline rush is second to none.”
Brunton currently drives a Porsche 911 Turbo S in Carmine Red, but it’s about more than the car — it’s the experience and freedom it provides. “These cars are quick — you need focus. They can get away from you if you’re not careful,” she says. Her expertise was proven when she became the only female driver to win the Ride and Drive event hosted by Prestige Motorsports, an exotic car social club and car dealership at 9711 Plymouth Road, owned by her husband, Ben. Enthusiasts enjoyed a scenic drive followed by cocktails and car talk.
Brunton’s message to women? Don’t be intimidated — start educating yourself and embrace the journey. “Bring your kids to Prestige Motorsports and let them dream about driving one someday,” she says. “Confidence comes from knowing you can own, drive, and master these incredible machines. Educate yourself, know what you’re talking about, and you’ll be just fine in this so-called ‘man’s world.’”
Prestige Sports offers various benefits to its members and hosts events for women, from paint-and-sip nights to charcuterie board classes and fashion shows. “There’s something for everyone, whether you’re storing your vehicle, attending events, or trying out the Formula One simulator,” Brunton adds.
Brunton’s mission is to encourage female involvement. “We’re not just pretty passengers — we’re drivers too. Whether you want a Lamborghini or a Bentley, find what excites you and own it!”
These women remind us that pursuing your passions is about breaking barriers, building communities, and inspiring others. Whether casting a line, cheering from the sidelines, or speeding down the highway, don’t let anything stand in the way of your passion.
