Jenna Boykin of Port Clinton, Ohio always loved shooting, never passing on the opportunity to go. She was the only girl signed up for shooting at 4-H summer camp, but didn’t let that deter her. It wasn’t long after that she began accompanying her brother to the range.
Jenna asked for a BB gun for her 10th birthday, a wish fulfilled by a close family friend who has since become her coach. It took a short two years for Jenna to wear out the BB gun and outgrow her basement range. Searching for something different, Jenna and her mentor Jim Biro attended the .22-caliber Rimfire Sporter Small Arms Firing School (SAFS) at Camp Perry in 2021. “This experience was eye-opening and it influenced me to start my shooting career,” Jenna declared.
SAFS programs are hosted by the Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) and conducted by members of the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit (USAMU). It was Capt. Sarah Beard who inspired Jenna to look far beyond the shaving cream and balloon targets she had started with in 4-H. “I always looked up to her,” Boykin said excitedly. “I thought oh my goodness, I want to be just like her when I’m older. I fell in love with shooting ever since that day.”
Though not a competition shooter, Biro recognized he could still do a lot to support Jenna’s dreams while learning alongside her. He set up a .22 caliber Rimfire Sporter T-Class rifle for Jenna and began taking her to Oak Harbor Conservation Club’s Thursday night junior rifle program. Jenna began competing in the Rimfire Sporter Matches at Camp Perry the following year, placing second in the Junior category and winning a bronze medal in her first match. She attributes much of her success to the training she had received in Oak Harbor, calling it “invaluable in expanding my knowledge and skills.”
After her 2022 performance at Camp Perry, Coach Biro decided it was time for Jenna to start traveling and shooting matches throughout her home state. Since then, Jenna has attended both the Rifle and Pistol Small Arms Firing Schools and has greatly expanded her shooting repertoire.
She competes in the T-Class and TU-Class in Rimfire Sporter as well as vintage matches. She took top honors in a beginner Bullseye pistol league and is looking forward to her first season shooting Service Rifle as part of the Ohio Rifle and Pistol Association’s Junior High Power Rifle Team.
Her highpower journey began at the 2023 Max Soviak National Rimfire Sporter Match at Camp Perry. Jenna claimed High Woman in the T-Class and won a gold medal, fulfilling her end of a deal she had made with her coach. “Coach told me that if I won a gold medal, he would have a highpower rifle built for me. I lived up to my end of the deal, so Chuck Larson from Rock River Arms built a new gun for me at Camp Perry.”
Now 16 years old, Jenna has since won several gold medals. This past summer Jenna was High Woman in the TU-Class of the National Rimfire Sporter Match and High Junior in the National Modern Military Match at the 2024 National Matches. This past winter she led the Beginner Bullseye League and Lethal Ladies Pistol League at Lake Erie Arms.
“I plan on expanding my knowledge and skills in many different ways,” Jenna said. “Currently I am shifting my focus to service rifle training. This transition from rimfire to service rifle will allow me to deepen my understanding of more advanced rifle skills. A few goals are to challenge myself in new ways, pushing past previous limits, and embrace the complexities of this discipline.” In example, Jenna aspires to learn how to maintain her firearms and load her own ammunition.
Determined to succeed in any discipline she attempts, Jenna’s primary goal is “to become a well-rounded marksman, and to share what I have learned to make others grow. A dream I have is to one day own my own shooting range, where I hope to coach my own junior rifle team.”
To Jenna, marksmanship is much more than a sport, but offers a sense of belonging and support. The shooting community “creates an uplifting environment that motivates everyone to do their best,” she said. Jenna has fully embodied this and is not only passionate about shooting but also about sharing the knowledge and skills she has gained. “Marksmanship has taught me the importance of focus, discipline, and patience,” Jenna elaborated. “It’s a journey of personal growth, teaching me to set goals, embrace challenges, and appreciate the small victories along the way.”
Central to this journey is her Coach Jim Biro, who Jenna wanted to include a special message for: “A huge shout out to my shooting coach Jim! Thank you for your incredible guidance, patience, and dedication in helping me along this journey. Your experience and support have truly made all the difference in my progress. I couldn’t have done it without him. I also have to give credit to the members of the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit and the CMP coaches. They are all very knowledgeable and have taught me a lot of tips and techniques.”
This season marks the beginning of a new chapter for Jenna as she expands her breadth of knowledge as a competitor and enthusiast. She has wise words for anyone starting on their own marksmanship journey. “Always remember everyone has been where you are and is eager to help. Embracing the learning process through every shot, whether a success or failure, it is an opportunity to grow. Lastly, enjoy the journey and celebrate your progress along the way.”
We look forward to seeing what Jenna accomplishes this year!
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