Stephanie Wade
by Rachael Andrews
Shooting is truly in New South Wales shooter Stephanie Wade’s blood. Both her father David and older sister Samantha are keen target shooters and Stephanie said it was inevitable that one day, she too would pick up a rifle and take to the range herself.
The 15-year-old SSAA Wagga Wagga member began shooting two years ago and has developed a taste for competition shooting, already having won the Runner-up Junior Shooter Award for her club and gaining top 10 positions in several club shoots.
“Dad had taken me out a few times before I started shooting that often,” Stephanie said. “It was good fun and I was learning a new sport.”
The tips and hints from her helpful family members have been handy says the Benchrest shooter.
“I feel like I’m improving and it’s good to have your family there helping.”
Having previously played touch football, Stephanie said the change to shooting was a big one, as she went from a fast and adrenalin-pumping sport to something more calculated and controlled. But, she said it was never an issue, with target shooting being something her family has always been involved in.
“It’s just always been something my family has done,” she said.
“My granddad shot, and the rest of my family too. It wasn’t a new thing to me; it was just the skills I’ve had to learn.
“My friends think it’s pretty cool that I shoot; it’s different, but I like it.”
Some of Stephanie’s achievements, in addition to winning the Runner-up Junior Award for her club last year, include placing second in a Junior Benchrest competition, placing 5th in an Open Club Rimfire Benchrest shoot, second in a Junior Club Championship and 14th in the Open Club Championship.
The fun of competing is Stephanie’s focus. Her love of shooting began after taking part in a club open day event where newcomers were welcomed to the range.
“I love all of it. Just getting out there and doing it and trying to get better,” she said. “I do it for the fun, just like any other sport.”
With her skills still developing in Benchrest, Stephanie is keen to improve her shooting in this discipline before trying other firearm calibres and expanding into other shooting disciplines.
All eyes are now on younger sister Alexandra. She is now of age to make her debut into the sport, keen to follow in the footsteps of Stephanie and her older sisters, making it a whole family affair.
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