Darts isn’t about who you are, it’s about how you throw. And women like Kyana Frauenfelder are proving greatness has no limits. Today, we sit down with Kyana, a 21-year-old rising star from Oss, Netherlands, who fell in love with darts at just seven years old. Inspired by her brother Levy and a family passionate about the game, Kyana is proof that talent knows no gender. Let’s hear her story.

Who or what put that first dart in your hand? a dare, a bet, or just pure, unshakable confidence?

My brother, Levy Frauenfelder, was already playing darts at the time and he inspired me to try it too. Of course, it helped that my parents loved watching darts as well.

What’s your favorite thing about darts, Is it the rush of hitting that clutch double under pressure or the sweet agony of a near-miss 180?

Of course, I love winning. I also have some friends who play darts, so it’s always fun to hang out with them and play.

What’s the darting highlight that still plays in your head on repeat?

Individually, the achievement I’m most proud of is winning a bronze medal at the 2016 WDF European Championship in the girls’ event. Beyond that, I’m also incredibly proud of my gold medal in the mixed pairs event with Maikel Verberk at the 2015 WDF European Championship. More recently, reaching the quarterfinals in the Women’s Series has been another highlight.

Was it a fateful pub night that turned you pro, or did you just wake up one day and think ‘I could totally crush people at this’?

As I mentioned, coming from a darts-loving family definitely helped. That’s what got me into competitive play, we spent nearly every weekend at tournaments.

What’s the toughest part of going from amateur to pro as a woman, pretending not to notice when people act shocked you can do math and throw fire?

I believe women face unique challenges in maintaining the elite level required for professional darts compared to men. The mental demands are different, women often juggle more off-the-board responsibilities, which can impact focus in ways the sport hasn’t fully accounted for yet.

Aside from the obvious final boss (patriarchy with a side of ‘You throw well… for a girl’ comments), what’s been your hardest fight in darts?

I haven’t faced any unique challenges as a woman in darts, at least none that come to mind.

^{© Bas van den Berk, Dartsfreakz.nl}

have you ever been hit with that tired ‘darts is for blokes’ nonsense? more importantly, what’s your move when it happens?

Of course, everyone faces challenges, I’ve had mine too. But I’ve learned not to dwell on negativity. If you let those comments get to you, they’ll only hurt your mindset and your game.

Does darts actually offer a level playing field for women, or are we still stuck in the ‘separate but equal’ dark ages?

I absolutely believe women have equal opportunities in competitive darts, we’re welcome to enter the same tournaments as the men. That said, maintaining the consistent elite performance required to compete at their level week after week remains the real challenge for female players.

Let’s talk visibility, does women’s darts get the spotlight it deserves?

Women’s darts receives far less media coverage than men’s, that’s no surprise, given men’s weekly televised high-level tournaments naturally draw more attention. But if we want the sport to grow, it’s crucial to actively promote the women’s game. Greater visibility creates opportunities, inspires new players and elevates the standard across the board.

Do women in darts have to hit twice as many 180s just to get half the recognition?

I do think the same level is expected from women as from men, but frankly, I don’t believe the two are comparable.

Time to Fix the Game, What’s Actually Needed to Make Darts Fair for Women?

I think we get enough opportunities, with the Women’s Series and the Women’s World Matchplay and we are allowed to play in the mens competitions. So I think that all it takes is to have 1 woman that is good enough to compete with the men and that will help grow the women’s side of the sport.

Future dart queens, listen up! What advice would you give to young girls wanting to play darts?

My biggest advice? Fall in love with the game first. Seek out local tournaments, throw yourself in and enjoy the journey, you never know where it might lead. With darts growing as fast as it is, tomorrow’s stars could be today’s beginners just having fun.

For Kyana’s ruthless outs and takes hotter than the oche lights: Follow. The only thing quicker than her darting? How fast negativity gets muted.

Facebook: facebook.com/kyana.frauenfelder – For bullseyes and bold truths
Instagram: instagram.com/kyanafrauenfelder – Style and steel in every shot

Kyana, gratitude for your courage, your authenticity and your killer instinct. Your journey doesn’t just inspire, it demands attention. Each dart you throw declares this sport isn’t about gender, but grit. You’re not just playing the game, you’re redefining it.