Sarah Milkowski’s darts story began where many great ones do, in a lively pub, surrounded by friends. What started as an after-work pastime in 2018 soon became a passion and by the end of that year, she was competing for a team. Now 33, the German native embodies the quiet determination reshaping women’s darts, no fanfare, just focus. Because when the dart flies, all that matters is the mark it leaves.

Who or what planted that first dart-throwing seed in your mind?

A friend took my husband and me to his favorite pub after work, we threw some darts and had a few beers.

If you had to pick one thing, what makes darts special for you?

I love that anyone can play, it doesn’t matter who you are.

What’s the darting accomplishment you’ll never forget? What made it unforgettable?

I’m incredibly proud to be the first German woman to compete in the PDC Women’s Series from the start and to be called a pioneer of ladies’ darts in Germany.

What sparked your leap from casual to competitive darts? Any vivid memories from your first official match?

I started with soft-tip darts. My first win was a 301 single-out game on D16, I’d practiced doubles from the very beginning.

Which part of going pro proved toughest for you as a woman in this sport?

Unlike the men’s circuit, the women’s circuit has fewer tournaments, lower prize money and less visibility. Many female players balance darts with jobs, studies, or family, the sport rarely makes consistent training or travel easy. Breaking into this still male-dominated scene demands extra resilience, especially when you’re frequently underestimated or the only woman in the room. That’s why I believe the mental challenge is the toughest part.

In your experience, does being a woman create extra challenges in professional darts?

Yes, in many ways, it is tougher being a woman in darts. Not because women can’t play just as well, but because of the environment, expectations and opportunities.

Have you directly encountered the ‘darts is a man’s game’ mentality? What’s your way of shutting that down?

That kind of comment, that darts is a ‘men’s game’, still pops up, sadly. For many female players, it’s frustrating but unsurprising. Some days I handle it well; other days I want to cry. So I focus on ignoring it and moving forward.

In your experience, does competitive darts offer truly equal opportunities for women today?

Short answer? No, not yet. Women can compete with men in darts, but opportunities remain unequal. Unless female players build strong social media brands (like I did), support is hard to find. Change is coming slowly, the PDC’s investing more in the Women’s Series and players like Beau Greaves are raising standards. But until equal pathways, funding and stage time exist? It’s not a level field.

Women are throwing world-class darts, but Do you think women’s darts gets enough media coverage?

Enough coverage? Not even close. We throw the same 180s, hit the same finishes, yet get a fraction of the airtime. The PDC’s Women’s Series helps and stars like Fallon Sherrock prove our quality. But until networks give us equal slots and production value? We’re still playing in the shadows.

Why must female players prove themselves twice, first as women, then as athletes, to earn respect in darts?

We just have to prove ourselves constantly. But while men get judged on talent, we’re still fighting for basic opportunities. But equal respect? That comes with equal stages, equal paychecks and equal cameras pointed our way.

Picture darts in 2030: what must change for women to have true parity?

A safer, more respectful culture, with zero tolerance for sexist comments or behavior. We need clear reporting systems and stronger tournament oversight. Most importantly, enforcing professionalism and respect at every level of the sport.

If a 12-year-old girl asked you how to start thriving in darts today, what would your battle-tested advice be?

Darts doesn’t care about gender. What matters is skill, focus and passion and women are proving this truer than ever.

Sarah serves up bullseyes and brutal honesty in equal measure. Catch the action on her socials: (Warning: Only follow if you can handle truth-telling and triple-20s!)

Facebook: facebook.com/sarah.milkowska – Precision in motion
Instagram: instagram.com/sarah.milkowska – Dartboard truths & zero chill

Huge thanks, Sarah, for giving us more than just dart talk today. You showed the heart behind the checkouts, the fire behind the focus. This is why we cheer, not just for the player, but for the path you're carving. Keep changing the game one perfect throw at a time.