Two of the most recognizable names in competitive shooting—Max Michel and Lena Miculek—have announced their departures from Team SIG Sauer, marking the end of an era for one of the sport’s most dominant and visible teams.
Michel, who has been with SIG Sauer since 2009, shared on Monday afternoon that he is stepping away from the company after nearly two decades. At the same time, Miculek announced her own departure after nearly 10 years with the team and as the face of SIG’s women-focused Rose program.
Both announcements came via personal social media posts and emphasized gratitude, but no mention of future team affiliations.
“After nearly two decades, my time with [SIG Sauer] has come to a close,” Michel wrote. “From leading Team SIG as captain, to breaking world records, winning national and international titles, and helping shape some of the most advanced firearms and optics in the game, it’s been nothing short of legendary. Thank you to everyone at SIG who believed in me, supported me and gave me the tools to succeed. I’ll forever be grateful for the friendships, the memories and the legacy we built together. My time at SIG Sauer will always be a part of me.”
Michel, who formerly served with the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit, began his post-military career as a contractor and consultant in the firearms industry before officially joining SIG Sauer in 2009. Over the next 16 years, he became one of the most dominant competitors in action shooting, earning world and national titles in USPSA, IPSC and Steel Challenge, along with multiple speed shooting world records.
During his time with SIG, Michel also served as team captain and was instrumental in product development, helping guide the company’s performance firearms and optics platforms.
Miculek, meanwhile, joined Team SIG in 2015 after having established herself as a world-class competitor in Three-Gun, IPSC and Pistol-Caliber Carbine disciplines. Coming from one of the most well-known families in shooting sports (her dad is Jerry Miculek and her mom is Kay Miculek), she built her own legacy while also pioneering new ground for women shooters.
In addition to her competition accolades, Miculek helped launch Rose by SIG Sauer, an empowerment and education initiative aimed at helping women become confident, capable firearms owners. The program became a cornerstone of SIG’s outreach efforts.
“After nearly a decade, I’m stepping away from my roles at SIG Sauer, from the Pro Team and from ROSE,” Miculek wrote. “SIG gave me opportunities I’ll forever be grateful for—to grow, to connect with incredible people and to build something meaningful. Together, we stood on world podiums and created ROSE, a dream that changed my life and the lives of many others.”
Both shooters didn’t share much about their next steps, but reaffirmed their ongoing commitment to the shooting community and to helping others grow in the sport.
“My mission remains the same,” Miculek said. “Helping people fight fear and become confident, competent firearms owners and users.”
SIG Sauer has not issued a public statement in response to either departure as of publication.
With the exits of Max Michel and Lena Miculek, SIG loses two of its most accomplished and visible ambassadors, marking a significant shift for its pro team.
Shooting Sports USA will share updates as we learn more about Max Michel and Lena Miculek’s next moves.
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