Q: When did you start shooting?

A: In 2007, my husband let me try a mini-14 and one of his old Bench-rest rifles, and I liked shooting but wanted to try something a little more “interesting” than Bench-rest. I attended the CMP Rifle SAFS (Small Arms Firing School) at Camp Perry that year to learn about service rifle competition.

Q: How did you get into competition shooting?

A: Part of the SAFS involved competing in an EIC match with the issued M16s, and I followed that up with competing in the M1 Carbine match. It was probably a little crazy to compete at the CMP National Matches as such a newbie, but the CMP staff said it would be ok, and it was. I participated in service rifle matches for a few years before trying long-range. I was fortunate to borrow an FTR rifle from our match director to shoot my first 1000-yard match, and I was hooked. I’ve also competed in tactical competitions and Small-bore.

Q: What do you do for a living?

A: Computer security, but I’m also a licensed vet tech, and I’d do that full-time if it paid enough.

Q: Do you have any family members who compete in shooting sports?

A: My husband is also very involved but likes shooting match rifles and Small-bore rather than FTR.

Q: Do you shoot F-Open or FTR?

A: FTR mostly, although I shot FO once for fun.

Q: What advice do you have for new shooters?

A: Start with sound equipment and good ammo. Find an experienced shooter to mentor you. Please pay attention when you participate in matches and do what you’re expected to, whether pulling targets or scoring when you’re not shooting.

Q: Where do you see the sport going in the future?

A: In the US, the F-Class still seems to be growing while more traditional Palma, Match Rifle, and Service Rifle seem to be losing shooters. It will be interesting to see how the switch to scopes on Service Rifles changes things. It may bring more shooters back who couldn’t use iron sights, or it may drive away from the purists. Tactical matches also seem to be growing.

Q: Do you shoot on any team or teams?

A: I am fortunate to be a member of the US FTR Team and the Virginia F-Class Rifle Team.

Q: What are your future goals?

A: My primary goal is to make the US team for the World Championships in 2017. It’s going to be tough because we have many great shooters trying for just eight slots.

Q: What was your favorite match, and why?

A: 2013 Bloemfontein South Africa, just because it was such a fun trip with great people. Getting to drive by giraffes on the way to the range, seeing ostriches just a few yards away from the firing line, and watching the Meerkats play on the field made it very entertaining. It was also a challenging range with significant competition from around the world.

Q: Do you have anything you would like to add?

A: I want to encourage shooters to support other shooters regardless of their discipline. Thanks to my husband and teammates for helping me achieve some fantastic results – it still seems unbelievable that I was part of a World Championship-winning team. Happy birthday Mid – no matter where we are or what day it is 🙂

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