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

Rao External Factors High Altitude Hunting Photo By Rao
Rao External Factors High Altitude Hunting Photo By Rao

5 External Factors That Affect a Firearm’s Performance

Even the best rifle and scope combination is no match for Mother Nature. Here are ways to deal with each challenge.

Game Wardens: Facts Vs. Fiction

What can—and can't—a game warden do as part of his or her official duties? The author, who is married to a retired career Texas game warden, tells all she knows.

Top Firearm Picks from SHOT Show 2026

A few trends among the thousands of exhibits stood out at SHOT Show 2026, including the abundance of new suppressors and suppressor-ready firearms; budget guns that don't skimp on features; and new modular firearms.

Winchester Presents USA 250th Anniversary Commemorative Ammunition Series 

Each unique package pays tribute to the United States and tells the story of how Winchester is woven into the fabric of American heritage.

The Armed Citizen® January 23, 2026

You can't go home again—especially if your intentions are to assault to assault your ex-girlfriend.

New Guns 2026: Pistols and Revolvers

Here are just a few of the recently released handguns to look for at dealers this year.

Women's Interests



Get the best of NRA Women delivered to your inbox.