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

Jim Lowry, an 86-year-old clay shooter, shares his journey from engineering to becoming a passionate participant in sporting clays. Jim is a National Sporting Clays Association Legacy Veteran who competes a various large events throughout the shooting circuit. He discusses the importance of mental preparation, visualization, and self-confidence in shooting, drawing parallels between golf and clay shooting. Jim emphasizes the significance of setting realistic goals and enjoying the learning process, while also addressing the mental barriers that can hinder performance. His insights provide valuable lessons for both seasoned shooters and newcomers alike.

Dawn Grant Links

https://dawngrant.com/

https://mindmastered.com/

https://ameliashotgunsports.com/

Free webinar here: https://dawngrant.com/pages/clay-shooters-mind-game-mastery

Takeaways

-Jim Lowry is an 86-year-old clay shooter who enjoys the sport.

-The mental aspect of shooting is crucial, with visualization being key.

-Self-confidence plays a significant role in performance.

-Jim emphasizes the importance of enjoying the learning process.

-He believes that everyone has their own unique approach to shooting.

-Setting realistic goals can help improve performance over time.

-Jim draws parallels between golf and clay shooting in terms of mental challenges.

-He encourages shooters to embrace their own journey and not compare themselves to others.

-The importance of getting out of one's comfort zone is highlighted.

-Jim enjoys the camaraderie and competition within the shooting community.

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Cody sits down with Carl Holland, the new general manager of Meadows Clay Sports. Carl shares his journey from Toronto to becoming a key figure in the clay shooting community. He discusses his passion for the sport, the unique offerings at Meadows, and the exciting events planned for the upcoming season, including the Shooter's Championship. The conversation also touches on the club's commitment to youth programs and community engagement, as well as recent improvements and partnerships that enhance the overall experience for visitors. Meadows Clay Sports is a Beretta Premium Dealer, GameBore Ammunition Dealer, and is looking to make club upgrades for the members and its visitors. The Shooter’s Championship is looking to make history with it’s massive payout that is spread out throughout the classes! On top of that, they will be hosting the Gamebore Summer Challenge and many other shoots. Carl Holland is looking to evolve the club along with this sport. Sporting clays is game of the people, the people make this sport the greatest on the planet along with the challenges that target setters and range owners can provide an enjoyable experience. From NSCA to SCTP teams, the club promotes health competitive competition. Meadows Clay Sports is located in Forsyth Georgia.

Meadows Clay Sports: https://www.meadowsclaysports.com/

Cody Matson: (770) 293-8820

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

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

Takeaways

-Carl Holland is the new general manager of Meadows Clay Sports.

-He has a background in mechanical engineering and project management.

-Carl's passion for clay shooting developed during his travels in the U.S. and England.

-The Meadows Clay Sports is known for its expansive grounds and variety of shooting courses.

-Upcoming events include the All Rabbit shoot and the Shooter's Championship.

-The Shooter's Championship features a unique payout structure for all classes.

-The Meadows has partnered with Beretta to offer premium firearms.

-Youth programs are a key focus for the club's community engagement.

-The facility is committed to providing a welcoming atmosphere for all visitors.

-Improvements are being made to enhance the overall experience at the Meadows.