Meet Our Brand Ambassadors!
Our ambassadors are more than just athletes—they’re passionate competitors, community builders, and proud advocates of the Highland Games. They represent everything Stars & Thistles strives for on and off the field, sharing their love for the sport, supporting fellow throwers, and showcasing our grip aids in action. Each ambassador brings their own story, strength, and spirit to the Games, and we're proud to have them as part of the team.
Scroll down to get to know them—where they throw, what drives them, and why they choose to #BeTacky with us.
Amanda McMillen
AKA- S&T Graphic Designer
Years Competing
“In my third full year competing as a Lightweight Highland Games Athlete– quickly approaching 4 years!”
Hometown Games
“Covenanter Highland Games in Quarryville, PA”
Best/Favorite Event
“My favorite events are Sheaf and Caber, or just what feels good on that day– I also really enjoy the lunch breaks.”
Why Be Tacky with S&T
“I love working with Stars and Thistles and using their amazing tacky! The different consistencies for summer and winter tacky is incredible in the Northeastern area, where you never know what kind of weather you’ll have at any given games. It’s also great to support a company that’s so proud of its athletes!”
Randy Karlson
Years Competing
2 years
Hometown Games
Highland and Islands in Gulfport, MS
Best/Favorite Event
Hammers and Weight Over Bar (WOB)
Why Be Tacky with S&T
“The tacky always holds up in the heat, especially in the humidity down here in Mississippi, and I love supporting good people who support such an amazing sport and community.”
Haley Gow
Years Competing
“I will be entering my 9th season.”
Hometown Games
“Niagara Celtic Festival”
Best/Favorite Event
Best- Heavy Hammer/Caber…”My favorite event is sheaf! I experience equal parts frustration and elation with the event. To me, it’s the most entertaining to watch as a fan. I love watching the bar go up and the field dwindle.”
Why Be Tacky with S&T
“I love using S&T tacky because I prefer tacky in general. I tried the spray adhesive route, chalk, sticky gloves, etc. They don’t hold up in all conditions the way tacky does in my opinion. Kirstie has been in the games a very long time and it shows in the products she creates. As a consumer, a personal touch goes a long way. She hand creates and designs these products, and you know she wouldn’t be selling anything she wasn’t 100% comfortable with using herself.”
Katie Vaudrain
Years Competing
“2025 marks my 9th year”
Hometown Games
“The Charlton, MA games on the second weekend of May is the local season opener and has been my hometown game since 2018.”
Best/Favorite Event
“To me, caber is the best event.”
Why Be Tacky with S&T
“Some Stars and Thistles tacky on the back of my hand helps me to lock in my grip even on the gnarliest sticks. I’ve tried quite a few different brands over the years, but this one stands up to the wet New England conditions the best. On top of that, the customer service is top notch! Stay tacky, my friends!”
Chris Olsen
Years Competing
“2025 is my 3rd year”
Hometown Games
“As a DC transient, I like to claim Southern Maryland Highland Games and Virginia Scottish Games as my hometown games — they’re a nice bookend pair.”
Best/Favorite Event
Best event- Weight Over Bar (WOB); Favorite Events- Light Weight for Distance & Open Stone
Why Be Tacky with S&T
“I was excited when I found out a friend of mine was starting their own tacky business. I had used their spray tacky in practice and loved how it felt (and held) on hammers. While competing at Masters World Championships in 2024, my then-current jar of tacky (def NOT Stars and Thistles) bricked up. Luckily, I (and every other athlete at MWC) had a sample of Stars and Thistles tacky in our swag bags. Once I put it on, I was hooked – literally and figuratively. This stuff holds up, both in the rain and against the sweatiest of palms.”
Travis Haddock
Years Competing
21 years
Hometown Games
Originally Dunedin (FL) now Virginia Scottish Games
Best/Favorite Event
Caber and Weights for Distance
Why Be Tacky with S&T
“It’s a great opportunity to represent an awesome company that’s making great tacky for all our needs.”