The future of women’s shooting sports
February 25, 2010 by Melita Ellington
Filed under WOMA News
“Are you here to shoot or to watch?” That was my question to eight-year-old Hailey Proffitt at Sunday’s USPSA pistol match at East Alabama Gun Club in Phenix City, Alabama.
“I’m here to watch,” Hailey replied. But it wasn’t long before she had a string of pasters ready to paste targets as soon as the range officer called the range clear. Of course, that was after donning her Howard Leight ear and eye protection. Hailey has her own gear. Wow!
Dad Jason told me he can’t go to the range without her. “I let her shoot my 9 mm, but it’s just too much for her,” Jason said when I asked if he had considered letting her compete as a junior shooter. Mark Kauder, EAGC’s range manager, informed us that they permit .22s on the range–just perfect for junior shooters and would-be shooters like Hailey.
With the speed of youth and intensity of a young woman on a mission, Hailey pasted targets at each stage, making our downtime between shooters minimal. Unlike many kids her age, Hailey wasn’t content to wander off to explore, or sit in the shade to play an electronic game. No, ma’am . . . she was all business, thank you.
Hailey is also a super helper when dad Jason reloads for his matches. She will separate the brass after cleaning and have it ready to be resized and loaded up. She knows every component of ammunition reloading.
Hailey says, “Dad teaches me safety first. I don’t do anything unless he is with me, or I ask.”
As for the future of women’s shooting sports, Hailey is it, along with all the other young girls just like her. It’s up to us (parents, mentors, friends, media, manufacturers and industry associations) to help out in any way we can to promote their development and elevate their interest.
And I want Hailey on my squad. I say get that little gal a .22 pistol, and let’s get her shooting some pistol matches. I certainly hope that the next time I shoot a match at EAGC, I get to shoot on Hailey’s squad, er, I mean Hailey’s dad’s squad.
Deborah Ferns on Fri, 26th Feb 2010 8:09 am
THe story on Haley makes me HAPPY! Melita, I’ll bring a small Babes with Bullets t-shirt (black with pink as I see Haley is in camo) to the April camp and you take it for her. I see a future “Babe” and that is what it is all about for the future of shooting sports as you pointed out. THANK YOU…
Melita Ellington on Fri, 26th Feb 2010 2:28 pm
I get so excited seeing youngsters at the range! Little Hailey isn’t the first future “Babe” I’ve seen with parents at a match, but she was the first one I’ve gotten to write about. I hope to do more, and maybe even have a column for others to contribute to as well…maybe “The Future of Outdoor Women’s Sports”. Thank you for the shirt Deb — Jason said Hailey is SOOO excited about the article! She should be – she has accomplished a lot in her young 8 years!!
Barbara Baird on Fri, 26th Feb 2010 10:28 pm
Nicely done, Melita. I especially liked the emphasis on safety and the respect she has for not only the firearm, but her dad. Thanks for writing this one!
Janie Melton on Sat, 27th Feb 2010 8:27 pm
Haley,you go girl… You show them all up. you need to teach your mom how to shoot too. I have my daughter shooting as well as my neice and I think its great you do all that with your dad.. I am so proud of you! We love you girl and can’t wait to see you when you are back down here in FL again! Keep shooting girl.
Aunt Lisa on Wed, 3rd Mar 2010 3:54 pm
Awesome! Thanks for writing about my little niece. She is such a smart and adventurous girl! So very proud of her. Can’t wait to see her out shooting on the range! Dad has taught her well…runs in the family. LOL
Melita Ellington on Thu, 4th Mar 2010 10:57 am
Hailey is such a go-getter! She will go far in this sport, and Aunt Lisa – it is my pleasure to write about her! Dad has taught her well, and Janie, I totally agree…we need to get her mom out there too!! I think the more encouragement she gets, the more she will want to shoot. With high self esteem and confidence, she will go far.
Bonnie Ryder on Mon, 15th Mar 2010 8:59 pm
Don’t forget about USPSA/SCSA’s SSC (Scholastic Steel Challenge and Steel Challenge matches in general. See the article in Mar/Apr Front Sight. A wonderful way to train young shooters!
jason proffitt on Mon, 28th Jun 2010 9:55 am
Hailey is such a go getter..Im not allowed to go to USPSA mathces without her! Love you Hailey….
Daddy
Christie Snodgrass on Mon, 8th Nov 2010 10:41 am
This is awesome! Way to go Hailey.
My daughter Audrey, now 13, started competing in IHMSA competitions at your age. We need more young women like you interested in the shooting sports.