Everyone has a story. When we take the time to sit with someone, ask questions and truly listen, we uncover the unique journey that makes them who they are. We discover the struggles they’ve faced, the lessons they’ve learned and the victories they’ve earned. Diane McCoy is a Distinguished Senior Steel Challenge competitor—and a powerful example of grit, grace and growth. This is her story.
Randall Miller: What was your profession before you retired?
Diane McCoy: I was a middle school teacher and coach for over 30 years. During those years, I coached volleyball, basketball, track and gymnastics. Twice, I received the Arkansas Gymnastics Coach of the Year. Now I spend my retirement years shooting, quilt making, spending time with my grandkids and teaching line dancing.
RM: How and when did you begin your shooting journey?
DM: I did not ever shoot guns growing up. I began competing when I was 63 years old! My introduction to guns was in 2014 when I went to watch my husband, Billy, shoot a match. It was in Fort Smith, Arkansas, and it was the World Rimfire Championship. I did not know what to expect but I was so surprised to see families, women and kids shooting. Then I heard the ping of the rounds hitting the steel and I was hooked. I knew right then that I wanted to learn about guns and how to compete.
One of my first matches was an USPSA match with a limited pistol. Billy told me that I would be shooting first on the next stage. There was a huge lump in my throat, and I just knew I was going to throw up. I went to check out the stage and of course, it was all steel and had props that I had never shot before: two Texas stars, double Irish stars, two plate racks and poppers. I stood there by myself and cried. Finally, I took a breath, walked the stage and gave it my best. I believe it took 80 rounds to finish that stage but quitting wasn’t an option. As a former coach, I made my students do 25 sit-ups if they gave up. That day, I had to follow my own advice and persevere.
Next, we started to shoot Steel Challenge matches. I love that I can see my improvements with my scores and rankings earned. Keeping track of my personal bests on a stage is a boost to confidence. Maybe that teacher in me comes out when I see my improvement and failures each time we practice or compete. Sometimes, I tend to overthink or try too hard but then I go back to the just breathe and shoot advice. Of course, I love to work at beating my husband. I have a few of those wins under my belt. It starts at winning one stage at a time to winning a match.
RM: What is your greatest accomplishment shooting Steel Challenge?
DM: One year we were at the World Speed Shooting Championship, and I had registered four guns. As I began the first stage with the first gun and on the first string, my third shot went click. I racked it and had an accidental discharge by the start flag. The range officer gave me his final commands and when I finished and looked up at him with tears in my eyes, he said “you need a hug.” I received lots of hugs that day.
I was extremely disappointed, but I was not going to give up. I went back the very next year to the same event just to prove to myself that I could do it. I walked away victorious. I won the title as the first Super Senior Lady World Champion—winning 1st place in RFRO and 1st place in PCCO. I learned from this that it’s okay to fail: just take a breath and keep trying. I promise that you will be able to succeed. My shooting journey has had tears, laughter, many lows and highs. I went from a nervous wreck to gaining confidence in myself.
RM: As a former coach, what advice to you have for new or young shooters?
DM: We have invited teenagers who were not interested in any sports to come shoot with us and they have fallen in love with shooting. I feel it is important for kids to join sports or competitions. It develops confidence, patience, skills, fitness, mental, physical and social well-being and a feeling of belonging to a group.
Know that when you start your journey of competition shooting, you will be nervous. You will have that lump in your throat and feel like you are going to be sick, but it will pass. Just remember that not everyone started their journey at the top with confidence or skill. They had a first match just like you. They practiced and practiced gaining their skills. Each time you shoot a match, you will gain confidence, pride in your accomplishments and you will notice that lump in your throat goes away.
RM: Do you have any final thoughts?
DM: My last thought is to stick with it. Take your time, go at your own pace but know that you will need to step out of your comfort zone at some point. Learning to shoot, whether for competition or for protection, will be an amazing journey. You will have lots of support and a great new shooting family.
Article from the July/August 2025 issue of USPSA’s magazine.
Most Popular
