Straight Shooter Profile: Meet Shoot United’s Thea Van Syoc

Shoot United's newest ambassador is now a prominent firearms instructor who started her journey in 2015.

posted on February 13, 2024
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **

Shoot United has released its newest Straight Shooter profile, which highlights its new ambassador, prominent firearms instructor Thea Van Syoc. 

Thea started her firearms training journey in 2015 after viewing a video of a female competitive shooter excelling in competition. Seeing female representation in the sport inspired Thea to pursue a path of her own in the shooting sports. Now, nine years later, Thea is a recognizable firearms instructor specializing in handgun training, and has started a series of women-only training courses that introduce women to responsible firearm ownership and defensive shooting. 

“Thea’s story is the inspiration we want to share with people who are interested in getting involved in the shooting sports and responsible firearms ownership,” said Jason Gilbertson, director of marketing for Shoot United. “We are excited to work with Thea, and share her knowledge and content.”

The Straight Shooter video series, presented by Shoot United, explores the human element of the shooting sports. There are millions of firearm owners, coming from all walks of life, that have been positively impacted by the shooting sports and Shoot United serves as a resource to share those stories. “Shoot United is a great one-stop resource that new firearm owners can utilize to learn about safety and responsible ownership. I’m excited to partner with Shoot United and contribute to the education of new participants in the shooting sports and personal defense,” said Thea Van Syoc. You can watch the video above, on ShootUnited.com, as well as on the Shoot United YouTube channel. Stay tuned for more content from Thea, including an all-new Take Your Shot series that covers the basics of personal defense as it pertains to firearms. For more information on upcoming Shoot United events or to sign up for the newsletter, visit ShootUnited.com.

About Shoot United
Shoot United is a dynamic initiative designed to promote all that’s wholesome and healthful about the shooting sports and responsible firearm ownership. It’s time spent outdoors with family and friends. It’s competition. It’s one of the most fun and safe recreational activities in the country. The mission is to drive awareness and activate new participants to the sport by sharing engaging and educational content as well as providing resources where people can learn how to participate in the shooting sports and hunting activities.

Shoot United is committed to safe, legal and responsible firearm use. Shoot United supports key groups like the National Shooting Sports Foundation on a variety of topics important to our industry including training and education, and specific programs such as Gun Owners Care and Project ChildSafe. Shoot United will continue to support programs, organizations and individuals that promote hunting and shooting sports activities in a positive and responsible environment. Any use of firearms by youth participants should be done under the direct supervision of a parent, guardian, or other responsible adult.

Latest

Lena Flannel Collection Lede
Lena Flannel Collection Lede

We Love It: Lena Women's Stretch Flannel Shirt and Shirt Jacket from Vertx

We all crave our favorite “comfort foods” when cooler weather invites hibernal tendencies. Now, with the “Lena Collection” by Vertx, we have “comfort clothes.”

The Armed Citizen® February 6, 2026

In the case of machete versus handgun, the outcome is probably a foregone conclusion..

Kim Rhode Receives the NSSF Ken Sedlecky Lifetime Achievement Award

The Olympic great and Team Winchester member received the award at the NSSF Members Meeting during the 2026 SHOT Show.

Basic Wilderness First Aid

Here are a few tips for handling some of the more common scenarios you or your party may find yourself in when out in the wilderness.

 

Federal-Sponsored Shooter Kayle Browning Wins Gold in Abu Dhabi

The January event took place at the Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting and Golf Club in Al Ain City.

Camouflage & Concealment Techniques in Nature

We take a closer look at the various camouflage techniques found in nature, why they are used, and how these methods can provide hunters, wildlife photographers, and outdoor enthusiasts ideas about how they themselves can better blend in.

Women's Interests



Get the best of NRA Women delivered to your inbox.