[2][3][4] Williams grew up in Rome, New York, where she was a four-year varsity soccer player at Rome Free Academy,[5] before studying conservation biology with the State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry, linked to Syracuse University.

She was a leading member of the college's synchronized skating squad,[6] the Syracuse Orange Experience, and also spent time playing soccer competitively.

[9] By 2009, Bonnie Thunders was the captain of the Gotham Girls All Stars, and was also a member of the Women's Flat Track Derby Association's Tournaments Committee.

[9] At the end of 2016, Thunders moved to Portland, Oregon, and in January 2017 it was announced that she was officially joining the Rose City Rollers all-star team, the Wheels of Justice.

[13] Bonnie Thunders has represented the United States in international play, having been selected for the Team USA roster for the Roller Derby World Cup in 2011,[14] 2014[15] and 2018.