Spc. Nelson was raised in Ada, Minnesota, and enlisted in the U.S. Army on August 27, 2024. She completed Basic Combat Training at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, followed by 92F Petroleum Supply Specialist Advanced Individual Training at Fort Gregg-Adams, Virginia. Upon completing Initial Entry Training in January 2025, she was assigned to the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit’s (USAMU) Shotgun Team.
Nelson's journey in international skeet began in 2019 at the Scholastic Clay Target Program Junior Olympic Development Camp at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colorado. She continued her competitive shooting career with the Schreiner University Shotgun Team in Kerrville, Texas. Nelson had continuously been a member of the USA Junior Elite National Team since 2020 until she aged out in 2024. International medals include an individual gold and a mixed team bronze medal at the Junior World Cup in 2022. Later that year she also earned a team silver medal at the 2022 Junior World Championships.
In 2023, Nelson was appointed to the USA Shooting National Development Team. The following year she competed at the 2024 CAT Championships in the Dominican Republic, winning an individual silver and a mixed team gold medal alongside current USAMU teammate SSG Jungman.
Beyond competition, Nelson combined her passion for shooting sports with academic excellence, conducting her master’s thesis in Italy as part of her graduate studies at the University of Florida. She has also dedicated herself to mentoring young athletes, serving as a 4-H shotgun coach for several years and as a National Shooting Sports Ambassador. Now, as a member of the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit, she continues to expand her expertise through military training while contributing to the growth and development of the shooting sports community.