Theresa Vail: Hunter, Soldier, Miss Kansas
OutdoorHub Reporters 09.12.13
In just a few days Theresa Vail will be taking to the national stage in a bid for the Miss America title, but there is more behind her beauty queen-exterior that has garnered this Kansas girl a great deal of popular support. Vail has shaken a few common conceptions—and turned a few heads—of the idea of pageantry. At the age of 22, Sergeant Vail is an expert marksman, veteran hunter, and currently serving as a section leader in her state’s National Guard. Her dream is to follow in her father’s footsteps and join the Army as a dentist.
Vail is only the second contestant in the history of the Miss America Competition to hail from America’s armed forces. As one of nine children, Vail learned at a young age that determination was one of the greatest assets she could have. She certainly seems to have accomplished much in a short time, graduating with honors from the Army School of Ordnance, becoming the Liturgical minister for her church, earning a pilot’s license, and even learning to speak fluent Chinese.
“Nobody expects a soldier to be a beauty queen,” Vail told People, “but I’m all about breaking stereotypes.”
However, it was hunting that had the most impact on her life, and perhaps saved it. When Vail was younger she was self-conscious about her looks and fitting in, often being picked on for the way her teeth looked.
“I was bullied when I was a kid. It got so bad that I nearly took my own life,” Vail said. “My dad took me hunting with him and it saved my life. Ever since then, I’ve been an outdoors girl. My passion is empowering girls through male-dominated outdoor sports.”
Vail was a natural marksman and easily mastered both the bow and hunting rifles. In fact, she had originally intended to display her target shooting skills for the Miss Kansas competition before she found out that it was not allowed. Undeterred, Vail decided to put her excellent voice to good use. It was a last-minute change that forced Vail to learn the aria “Nessun dorma” from recordings on YouTube, in a span of only 48 hours.
“I’d never sung opera in my life,” Vail said. “I had an appreciation for it and I sang soprano in choir back in high school, but I hadn’t sung since then and certainly never opera.”
Nonetheless, her performance won her the title. Now the six-year National Guard vet has her eye on bigger prize.
“Coming from a military family I understand sacrifice,” Vail said. “I understand moving from one town to the next and the loneliness that sets in when you have leave your childhood friends, but I also have the benefit to understand that there’s no greater joy than losing yourself in service to others. […] I want the position of Miss America not for selfish motives, but for selfless giving.”
As for her plans after the competition, Vail is already working on the beginnings of a show with the Outdoor Channel along with pursuing a career in the Army.
Below is a video she made for the Miss America Pageant:
