Spotlighting Kelsey Dardas - Aiming for Greatness

This article is part of the Bloom Spotlight series, where we aim to recognize current and former military teens who are doing amazing things. If you know a current or former military teen (regardless of age) who is impacting the military community in a way that deserves to be recognized, visit our Bloom Spotlight page.  

Kelsey Dardas is a sophomore in high school who is heavily involved and accomplished in rifle shooting. She shoots on a club team and through her school’s JROTC program, and she holds multiple national titles in this sport. We interviewed Kelsey to showcase her unique accomplishments and to learn about her dedication and journey from the perspective of being a military teen.*

Describe your journey in the sport of rifle. What inspired you to start shooting?

My dad, who has been serving in the U.S. Army for 19 years, inspired me to start shooting. He was a great shooter, and when he would tell me about all the fun trips and the competitions he had when he was younger, it inspired me to try it out. I immediately loved the sport.

My journey in this sport has been amazing but also challenging in so many ways. I love going on trips for competitions, but it’s mentally difficult. When I’m at a competition or practice, it’s hard to stay in a calm mindset and not worry about shooting a new personal record, a new national record, or possibly a new world record. 

What are some highlights of your time shooting (e.g., memorable experiences, accomplishments, etc.)?

My favorite memory of shooting was when I shot my first national record in both Air Rifle and 50 meter 3 position Smallbore, both achieved in the November 2024 National Ranking Competition. (Ranking Competitions are for the National Ranking List and determine if you make the U.S. National Team.) That day became my favorite memory because it made me realize that I had found a sport that I not only love but also that I feel like I have found my place in. 

Of course, I also have amazing memories of trips with my JROTC rifle team, my best friend (she also shoots), and my parents. Another huge accomplishment was when I found out I qualified for the JR World Cup in Egypt. 

What’s next for you in the realm of shooting? Any particular goals or exciting plans? 

What’s next is the National Junior Olympics, where I will try to get on the World Championships Smallbore Team. I’m currently trying to increase my training as much as I can. One of my current goals is to keep focusing on my groups (a series of ten shots) instead of the score, as this keeps a calm and positive mindset, even if I shoot a shot that I don’t want. I have JROTC Nationals for 3 Position Air Rifle right after the March Selection Match. 

How can someone get involved in this sport? 

Anyone can search for a local rifle club near them. It’s great to find a club that offers junior training and competitions to start with. I joined the Fountain-Fort Carson JROTC Rifle Team after I began training for about a year. 

Since you’ve started this sport, have you had any obstacles due to the military?

My dad is also a shooter and is competing to get back on the National Team as well. When my dad TDY’s and deploys, I’m left somewhat without a coach for long periods of time. We’ve been able to FaceTime, and my dad will coach me in the basement of our home, and then my mom will take me to the USOPC for air rifle and smallbore training every week. My mom works for the Department of State and commutes to Denver every day, so we have a close family friend who has supported my training by taking me to practice when my dad is gone and my mom is working in Denver. It can be challenging, but so far, we’ve been able to mitigate and make it work.

What words of wisdom do you have for other military teens?

Don’t give up on your current dreams. It might feel like you don’t have any support, but trust me, you do. No matter what, you will always have support to get yourself somewhere. It may not be where you want to be right now, but one day, you will get there. 

You can’t give up, no matter how hard it is, and if it’s too hard, give yourself a break to breathe and take some weight off your shoulders. Don’t give up on your goals and dreams; it’s hard, but you’ll look back years down the road and thank yourself for not giving up. 

If you’re interested in following Kelsey’s training, travel, and competition, she has an Instagram account @Kdardasrifle!

“You can’t start a journey if you never believed you could finish it.” - Kelsey Dardas

*Some responses have been edited for clarity while still trying to remain parallel to the original message.