Kiersten Sales, a formidable talent from Okeechobee,
Florida, has carved a significant niche for herself in the world of sporting
clays. Her journey into the sport began in her childhood and has been marked by
dedication, hard work, and numerous accolades. I had the opportunity to shoot
with Kiersten during the GA State Championships and observe the way she moves
the gun and makes every target count. Her ability to move a Krieghoff
Pro-Sporter is impressive, making all her moves as efficient as possible to
fully take advantage of the gun’s benefits. Her passion for the game and
serious demeanor while shooting shows when she’s in the shooting stand. A great
young woman and ambassador to the sport, I fully expect to continue to see
great results come from her shooting and journey into the world of the National
Sporting Clays Association.
Photo Credit: Kiersten Sales
Early Beginnings
Born and raised in Okeechobee, Florida, Kiersten Sales
was introduced to sporting clays through her older brother, Raith. "My
passion for sporting clays began when my older brother, Raith joined an SCTP
team. Traveling and watching him shoot inspired me to give it a try
myself," she recalls. As a ten-year-old, Kiersten joined the Scholastic
Clay Target Program (SCTP) and competed consistently for the next seven years.
Her early involvement in sports played a crucial role in her success in shooting.
By the age of 16, she had already won the HOA Lady title at the SCTP Nationals.
Transition to NSCA
Kiersten's transition from SCTP to the National Sporting
Clays Association (NSCA) marked a significant step in her career. "I
decided to take on NSCA instead of returning to SCTP. Although, during my time
competing in SCTP, I was actively attending NSCA tournaments where I would pick
up some wins here and there," she explains. These wins eventually led her
to achieve Master Class status at a young age.
Photo Credit: Kiersten Sales
Training and Equipment
Practicing regularly is a cornerstone of Kiersten's
success. She typically trains at any of the four clubs near her home and shoots
at least three times a week. Her first gun was a 28 gauge Cortona, but she now
shoots with a Kreighoff Pro Sporter. Under the mentorship and coaching of Mike
Luongo for over five years, Kiersten has honed her skills and overcome various
challenges. "Every shooting style is on the table when it comes to
breaking clays; there is no set way to do it. However, the most important method
in the book is 'Send It!' Best said by Mike Luongo himself," she says.
Preferred Ammunition and Sponsorship
In practice, Kiersten is flexible with her ammunition
choices, willing to shoot any ammo that goes through a gun. However, in
competition, she prefers Remington 1290 1oz or Winchester 1290 1oz. Her journey
has also been supported by sponsors, including Tim Ward Gunsmithing, Castellani
USA, and Rhino Chokes. "I would like to thank my sponsors for their
support in my shooting journey," she adds.
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Accomplishments and Titles
Kiersten's list of accomplishments is impressive. In 2023, she earned the title of Lady National Fitasc Champion in San Antonio, Texas. Despite her modest love for Fitasc, her determination and skill brought her this notable victory. "While I continue to travel and shoot, in my spare time my goal is to become a coach and help others enjoy the sport as much as I do. In my personal shooting journey, my goal is to win the Lady National Championship and Worlds," she shares.
Kiersen Sales Shooting Accomplishments
NSCA Big Blasts
• 2023 Ladies National FITASC Champion
• 2023 South Carolina St. CH Open Ladies CH
• 2023 Jack Link’s Cup Super Sporting Ladies Champion
• 2023 Florida State Championship Ladies Runner-up and
Junior 3rd
• 2023 RC Cup Ladies 3rd
• 2022 Florida State Championship Ladies and Sub Junior
Champion
• 2022 Jack Link’s Cup Ladies Champion and Junior 4th
• 2021 Gator Cup Super Sporting Ladies Champion and Sub
Junior Runner-up
• 2020 Florida State Championship Resident Sub Junior
Runner-up
• 2020 Gator Cup Sub Junior 5th
• 2020 Southeast Regional Sub Junior 5th
• 2019 Florida State Championship Prelim Ladies Champion
• 2019 Georgia State Championship Open Ladies 3rd
• 2018 Krieghoff Classic 12 Sub Junior Runner-up
• 2018 Krieghoff Classic 28 Sub Junior Runner-up
• 2018 Florida State Championship Ladies and Sub Junior
Champion
• 2018 Fiocchi Cup Ladies and Sub Junior Champion
SCTP
• 2022 Nationals-Senior Ladies Double Skeet 3rd, 1st
Sporting Clays, Seniors Ladies HOA
• 2022 Regional-Ladies 1st Sporting Clays
• 2021 Nationals-Double Skeet Ladies 2nd
• 2019 Nationals-Intermediate/Entry Level - Ladies 1st
American Skeet, 1st Bunker Trap, 1st Sporting Clays, Intermediate/Entry Level
Ladies HOA
• 2019 Regional-Ladies 5th HOA
• 2019 Florida State-Ladies 1st HOA Sporting Clays
• 2018 Nationals-Intermediate/Entry Level Ladies - First
in American Skeet, American Trap, and Sporting Clays, Intermediate/Entry Level
Ladies HOA
• 2018 Regional-Intermediate/Entry Level Ladies 3rd Sporting Clays, 1st Skeet, Regional- Open
Ladies 1st Sporting Clays
• 2017 Nationals-Rookie Ladies - 1st Sporting Clays, 1st
Double Trap, 2nd American Skeet,
• Ladies Individual Rookie HOA 4th
• 2017 Regional-Rookie - 2nd Sporting Clays, 2nd Trap,
2nd Skeet, Ladies 1st Sporting Clays
• 2016 Nationals-Rookie - Ladies 5th American Skeet, 3rd
Sporting Clays
• 2016 Florida State-Ladies 1st Sporting Clays
Photo Credit: Kiersten Sales
Advice for New Shooters
Kiersten's advice for new shooters is to find a mentor
they have confidence in and to absorb as much knowledge from them as possible.
Her journey is a testament to the importance of guidance, perseverance, and the
willingness to learn.
Conclusion
Kiersten Sales' journey from a young enthusiast inspired
by her brother to a decorated shooter in the sporting clays community is a
story of dedication and passion. With numerous titles to her name and a
commitment to both her personal goals and coaching others, she continues to
make her mark in the sport. Her achievements, training regimen, and advice
serve as an inspiration to both new and experienced shooters alike.
