How long have you been playing paintball and how did you get started?

I played my first time in ’05 and thought it was awesome, so I played whenever possible for the next few years.  I didn’t start playing tournaments till ’08.

Why do you play paintball?

I’ve tried other sports and nothing was as exciting as the rush I got from paintball.  Plus it was really fun bunkering guys and making them feel embarassed around me.

What do people say when you tell them that you play paintball?

Usually I get some weird looks, especially about the bruising.  People keep asking me when I’m going to quit too, but they don’t realize it’s more of an addiction than a hobby.

Paintball is a male dominated sport, why don’t you think more girls play?

It’s a dirty sport with high levels of pain which are the two biggest reasons imo.  There’s so many large barriers to entry as well, and the girls that keep playing have to get over many obstacles and name calling before they’re even in the sport.  I’m probably crazy for still playing because logic has convinced me that it’s a stupid and expensive game, but I’ll never quit.  No point in being logical if it means you never take any risks.

What about paintball attracts you as a female to the sport?

I’ve played almost every sport out there since I was young, but paintball is the only place that allows me to be violent and competitive, which is avoided in every other female sport.  I’d always be the first one to foul out in basketball or lacrosse, so paintball just fits because it’s the only sport to give me an adrenaline rush.

Do you get a lot of attention at the field due to being a female player?

Lots of weird looks and the girly comments but once I start playing not really.  When I first started playing I used to get called out to play 1v1s a lot but after I proved myself I kinda was more accepted.

What recommendations do you have for female players who are interested in trying the sport for the first time?

Be prepared for a shitstorm of hate.  First time I played at AA the guy working told me to get off the field and make him a sandwich.  You got to have a tough skin as well as the drive to get better despite very few people believing in you, but as long as you show up to the field determined and ready to play it gets better.

Are there any female players that you look up to?

Bea Youngs kicks ass, as well as all the Destiny girls.  I’m interested in staying in paintball until I’m dead and seeing Bea involved in every aspect of the sport has really influenced my decision to stick in paintball and stay involved.

What strengths do you think a female player offers to a team that they cannot get from a male player?

Paintball for me is about broadening perspectives and looking at the layout in a different way than your enemy.  Having a girl on your team just adds another perspective to the game.

What is your home field, and what does it have to offer?

I started playing at Xphere in Faribault, MN with some of my friends from school who worked there, and I spent a couple summers spending as much time as possible playing and hanging out at the field.  They have 5 different types of fields and a great group of guys running the place, and it’s honestly where I fell in love with the sport.

What tournament series & division do you currently play in?

I play D4 5 man and D4 Race To 2 and at the Vicious series played a few points in D3X-ball.  I also play in the NCPA league for the University of Minnesota.

What teams have you played for in the past? And who do you play for now?

MN Power Rangers, University of Minnesota, Nex Superne and Air Assault

How do you feel about playing on an all female team? Do you feel that it is cliché? Would your rather play on a mixed gender team?

The reason I play paintball is so I don’t have to be on a team with all girls.  I had the choice of playing lacrosse or paintball at the U and went with paintball.  I honestly feel that most all girl teams that play under D2 are only a spectacle trying to bring sex appeal to the sport and only pose for photo ops rather than killing bitches.  I’ve met a few girls that have the same opinion about all girl teams and would maybe play with them but in no way am I looking for an all girl team.

How often do you practice per week and how far do you have to travel to practice?

Anywhere from 1-3 times a weekend depending on if the U of M is practicing.  30-45 minutes usually out to AA or APPG, or an hour out to Xphere.

What is your best memory in paintball?

Back at Xphere when I’d play rec-ball the guys who came would eventually end up betting me that they could beat me in a 1v1. I won a lot of paint and beer that way.

What keeps you playing paintball?

The addiction, and getting to prove myself every time I step on the field.

What gun do you use, and why do you like it?

The Air Assault Bomber Ego9, it shoots perfectly.

Describe your style of play on the field.

Used to just stomp down the field as far as possible down the Doritos and bunker people, lately I’ve been playing back a lot and just filling out when needed.

Are there any people who have been influential on your playing style? Who are they and how have they impacted your game?

They guys at Xphere, especially Karni gave me my first hand-me-downs and let me use real guns instead of the Pirhana.  Aaron Claus really helped me out my first year on U of M and gave me a lot of hints.  But Brent Kotchman at AA let me practice as much as possible every weekend for the last year and gave me a shot to learn the fundamentals of the game, so I gotta give him props.

What do you think your greatest strength in paintball is? What do you need improvement on?

Just playing with instinct, but I gotta work on following game plans and letting them change.

What do you think needs to happen in Minnesota to develop divisional teams that will be able to compete nationally?

People playing at the same field.  We’ve got decent groups at each field but people rarely mix up so there’s no possibility of raising the level of competition.

Outside of paintball, what do you do for a living?

I’m a student at the U of M and work on campus and also at Air Assault.  I’ll be working at the radio station on campus named Radio K.

Finally what MN Paintball player (Past or Present) would you like to see featured next?

Aaron Claus