Union was born in Omaha, Nebraska, the daughter of Theresa and Sylvester Union. She was raised Catholic. At the age of eight her family moved to Pleasanton, California, where she grew up and attended Foothill High School. In high school, Union was an all-star point guard and a year round athlete participating in soccer, basketball, and track. During this time, Union dated current Dallas Mavericks Read more...

Union originally intended to become a lawyer in college. She attended the University of Nebraska before moving on to Cuesta College. She eventually transferred to UCLA and earned a degree in Sociology; while studying there, she interned at a modeling agency to earn extra academic credits. She was asked by the agency to sign on with them as a new model. She needed money to pay off some college loans Read more...

In 1992, Union was attacked, beaten and raped at her part-time job at a shoestore. Her attacker later turned himself in and was sentenced to 33 years in prison. She has since become an advocate for victims of sexual assault.

In May 2001, Union married NFL player Chris Howard of the Jacksonville Jaguars; In November 2005, the couple separated; the divorce was finalized in April 2006.