In this episode of the Madison Shooting Academy podcast,host The Clay Lab interviews Aniston Hamil, a competitive shooter and senior at Emmanuel University. Aniston shares her journey in the world of clay target shooting, balancing her academic pursuits with her passion for the sport. She discusses her experiences in various shooting disciplines, the importance of discipline in both academics and athletics, and her transition from high school to college shooting. Aniston also offers insights on managing pressure and expectations as a collegiate athlete, emphasizing the importance of support and community in overcoming challenges. In this conversation, the speaker discusses the importance of confidence in shooting sports, the struggles athletes face, and the significance of coaching and mentorship. They emphasize the need for young shooters, especially females, to find the right equipment and support to excel in the sport. The conversation also touches on the speaker's aspirations for the future in coaching and competition, highlighting the community aspect of shooting sports.

Aniston Hamil

Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/annies_clays/

Email:AnistonMSA@gmail.com

Cody Matson: (770) 293-8820

Matson Shooting Academy:https://www.matsonshootingacademy.com/

MSA Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/matsonshootingacademy/

Takeaways

-Anniston is a senior at Emmanuel University majoring ingraphic design.

-She balances her academic workload with competitiveshooting.

-Discipline is crucial for success in both academics andshooting.

-Sporting clays is her favorite shooting discipline dueto its variety.

-Traveling for competitions has broadened her experiencein shooting.

-Managing mental pressure is key to success incompetitive shooting. Having confidence in yourself can change everything.

-Comparison can hinder your progress and joy.

-Focus on the present moment during competition.

-Your self-worth is not defined by your scores.

-Coaching allows you to give back to the sport you love.

-Building relationships with youth shooters is rewarding.

-Finding the right equipment is crucial for femaleshooters.

-The transition from 20 gauge to 12 gauge can bebeneficial.

-Coaching helps refresh your own skills and knowledge.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Anniston Hamill

01:54 Balancing Academics and Competitive Shooting

05:23 Diverse Disciplines in Shooting Sports

09:27 The Journey to Emmanuel University

14:27 Early Beginnings in Shooting

18:59 Overcoming Challenges in College Shooting

22:26 Managing Pressure and Expectations

24:14 Building Confidence and Overcoming Struggles

29:03 The Joy of Coaching and Mentoring

32:36 Empowering Female Shooters

41:51 Future Aspirations in Coaching and Competition