ABOUT US

The Arizona Women's Shooting Association was formed with the purpose of introducing women, family and friends to this wonderful sport.

We strive to encourage, educate and mentor women from the beginner to the advanced in the many different disciplines of the shooting sports.

Above all, we stress safety, variety and fun.

Carol Ruh, President
NRA Certified Instructor

Carol was basically an anti-gun lady and was frightened of guns when her husband and son wanted to go to a gun range. When she got there fear got the best of her and tears began to flow.

The kind gentleman behind the counter explained to her, “It’s not the gun that kills, it’s the person behind it”. Carol was crying until she heard that statement, which changed her perspective about guns. “After that statement I stopped crying and shot for the first time ...and really had fun.”

In 1998 she started working at Shooter’s World in Phoenix, opening a whole new world. She became an NRA Certified Instructor and Training Counselor, DPS Certified, Rifle, Pistol, Personal Protection in the Home, and Refuse To Be A Victim.

Volunteering at Ben Avery, Carol worked hard to get the women’s program off the ground, and then moved on to create the Arizona Women’s Shooting Association (AWSA).

Working hard throughout the years Carol continues studying to become a better shooter, and to pass along what she has learned. She has trained with the best:

  • Kay Miculek, nine time USPSA National Women’s Open Champion
  • Julie Goleski, eight time USPSA National Women’s Champion
  • Lisa Munson, seven time USPSA National Women’s Limited Champion
  • Judy Woolley, with wins at Sportsman’s Team Challenge, Bianchi Cup and Master’s International Invitational.
Carol has advanced her skills with instruction in Defensive Pistol and Executive Protection. For fun, she shoots competition in rifle lever action, Cowboy Action Shooting and IDPA.

She feels that every woman should have the opportunities to learn and become more confident and not depend on another for her safety and her families. “If a woman can teach another woman the importance of this sport, she will be empowered to pass this on to her children, ensuring the future of shooting sports.…the key is education”.

It is Carol’s strong conviction and commitment that keeps her vision alive in AWSA. She is always looking for new ideas to improve and expand her knowledge for the benefit of AWSA.
Debbie Kimmick, Vice President

Debbie is employed by The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), the 3rd most influential advocacy group in the nation as rated by Fortune magazine.

She brings to the Arizona Women’s Shooting Association over 10 years of experience of office skills and member recruitment.

Debbie is a NRA Certified Instructor, DPS Certified Instructor for Concealed Carry Permit classes and Certified for “Refuse to be a Victim”.

It is her skills at tracking Legislation and organization that makes her such an asset to the Arizona Women’s Shooting Association. She owns her own business as a Mary Kay Beauty Consultant, and gives her the knowledge to help keep day-to-day business matters tracked.

Debbie started shooting 12 years ago. After getting her CCW permit, she really became active in shooting.

Her biggest enjoyment of the group is women supporting women in a non-threatening environment. When talking to other women about AWSA, she says, “ It is a great way to learn how to protect yourself in an unintimidating manner. After a hard day of work it really relieves the tension.”

Patsy Morris, Secretary

Even though I am a wife and mother, I have enjoyed the shooting sports for many years.

Keeping up my skills is my passion, with shooting IDPA competition and teaching with AWSA.
I have recently been training with the Israel Point Shooting program, which has broadened my horizons, and given me a deep appreciation for the other techniques.

I am so fortunate to have my husband Brian to encourage and support, but we shoot as a team.

The shooting sports have given me a confidence I never thought I had. My personal goal would be to make women more aware of their need for personal protection.

The shooting sport itself relies on women whether they know it or not. Without their support our youth have no future. It’s time women understand their importance in supporting this sport.
 

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