Melissa began riding at the age of 4. She grew up riding a small pony, Judy, in small local rodeos in Cave Creek, AZ. When she was 9, a family friend introduced her to an exciting sport called Cowboy Mounted Shooting. This sport combines firearms, obstacle courses with balloons/barrels, and our large 4-legged friends to make a fun-filled competition! Melissa won the Reserve Overall Ladies World Champion title at the ripe age of 12 back in 2006. She wasn’t satisfied with second place, so in 2007 she kicked a little harder and was the youngest Ladies Overall World Champion in Cowboy Mounted Shooting a the age of 13. She liked the feeling so much, she actually achieved the same title in 2010 and is a Two-Time World Champion in the fast-growing sport. This was a huge accomplishment for Melissa and she couldn’t have done it without her trusty steed, Slapshot. They both enjoyed Cheese-Its, apples, and going fast! At the height of her career, Melissa was sponsored by Ruger Firearms and Cowgirl Tuff Co clothing. She went to the University of Nebraska, ran Division I Track and Field, and graduated with her business degree.

Melissa moved to Colorado in 2020 and works in the nonprofit space for Handbid helping charities fundraise virtually and in-person, once fundraising events start up again! While both of her horses sadly passed in 2020, she loves to ride any trusty steed and help around the barn. She likes to hike with her dog, cook, and travel with her husband Tom.