Pequot Lakes student Darci Martini is going back to Chicago representing our Brainerd Elks Lodge for the second time.

Darci Martini, a fifth-grader from Pequot Lakes, won the girls 10- and 11-year-old division and moved on to compete in in her second Elks National Hoop Shoot April 16-19 in Chicago.  On March 14 in Iowa City, Iowa, she drained 23 of 25 to win not only her division but best overall shooter at the competition! 

In 2024 Darci placed 9th in the 8-9 year old division at the national competition and is excited to improve this time. Darci told Lakeland PBS News, “I’m looking to get better than 9th out of 12 this year, and make more than I did last time.  I think I have improved on my shooting.” 

She is youngest of four Martini children, who have all competed in the Elks Hoop Shoot, she is the second in the family to compete on the national stage. Her sister Kelsi was a previous Brainerd Elk winner. Martini is the daughter of Shaun and Lisa Martini and will be representing our Brainerd Elks.