Reclaim Integrity in Paintball
Reclaim Integrity in Paintball
Reclaim Integrity in Paintball
May 13, 2025: Recent events in paintball have left me with a lot on my mind. The circulation of a custom anodized marker with a Nazi symbol, paired with a promotion linked to Dan Bilzerian, has stirred something deep within me. Let’s be clear: this is not just “a symbol.” It’s a symbol tied to hate, violence, and some of the darkest chapters in history. Trying to brush this off or downplay its significance? That only adds to the harm, especially for those who’ve been impacted by that kind of trauma.
Dan Bilzerian is no stranger to controversy. From his objectification of women to the way he flaunts his wealth and lifestyle, it’s clear his brand doesn’t align with the values many of us hold in paintball. And the bigger question here is: Who are we giving a platform to? What kind of community are we really building if we let stuff like this slide?
The paintball community, the players, are the backbone of this sport. They’re the ones that have carried it through thick and thin, without enough credit. They deserve protection. Yet, there’s this narrative out there suggesting we’re “overreacting” to the situation. Frankly, I think the real problem is that we’ve underreacted for too long. We’ve let integrity slide. We’ve let exploitation and exclusion slip by unchecked.
I’ve been in this sport for over 20 years, and I’ve seen it all. As the founder of Destiny Paintball, which started as one of the first all-female teams in 2004, the vision was to provide a space for women in paintball. Over time, Destiny evolved into an organization of many teams, mostly regional, with a focus on promoting and encouraging the growth of women’s paintball, including the support of the Women’s National Xball League (WNXL). I’ve always been an advocate for women not just for visibility, but for respect. I’ve worn many hats in paintball as a writer, marketer, promoter, entertainer, instructor, manager, collaborating with companies like Smart Parts, JT USA, and Planet Eclipse. My mission wasn’t just to compete. It was to give back. To build connections. To create space for others. To grow this sport in a way that truly reflects the heart of what it can be.
As I reflect on the growth of the Women’s National Xball League (WNXL), I am reminded of the critical role integrity plays in creating lasting change. The launch of the WNXL was a big win for women in the sport, but let’s not fool ourselves into thinking visibility alone is enough. We need real, sustainable opportunities. Women in paintball deserve more than just recognition, but also deserve respect and fairness. Too many people, men and women alike, are grinding day in and day out, supporting the sport with their own funds, only to get zero recognition. That’s the kind of imbalance we need to fix.
While my family and I did attempt to reenter the paintball scene in recent years, it became clear that family must come first. The demands of the sport, especially at the competitive level, took too much away from the time and energy I wanted to dedicate to my children and my home life. Though I had hoped to reengage, my priorities had to shift, and I’ve fully embraced that. Family will always come before paintball, no matter how much I love the game and what I’ve contributed to it over the years.
I’ve stepped back from competitive paintball, not because of bitterness, but because of clarity. I realized my focus needed to shift… toward my family and toward what I truly want to leave behind. My legacy in paintball doesn’t need to come from a podium. I want it to come from what I did to build a better, more inclusive sport. What I did to make space for others, even when it wasn’t easy.
This message isn’t about condemning anyone, but about inviting us all to do better. To create a paintball community that values character over clout, hard work over hype, and unity over division. One that truly protects its people. One that remembers relationships matter more than rankings. One that’s willing to hold itself accountable, even when it’s uncomfortable.
Let’s be better. Because paintball deserves it.
Sincerely, Bea Youngs
