Historic Triumphs: Montreat College Soars in Clay Target Championship Showdown

April 28, 2026

Representing over 100 institutions, Montreat College's clay target team delivered a landmark performance at the ACUI Collegiate Clay Target Championships held at the National Shooting Complex in San Antonio, Texas, achieving remarkable milestones including two individual national titles, one team national title, and a team bronze finish.

Five Core Disciplines
Clay target shooting encompasses diverse specialties, each presenting distinct challenges and strategic nuances.

Sporting Clays mirrors golf's precision course navigation with variable target placements. Super Sporting elevates complexity through multi-trap configurations at each station. Skeet delivers consistent, patterned target flights across open fields. Double Skeet intensifies pressure with simultaneous dual-target releases. Trap introduces unpredictability via automated launch systems with coordinated dual trajectories.

From Gaming to Glory
Montreat's 2026 triumph centered on Isabella Ricci, whose dual national championship victories in Ladies AA Singles and Super Sporting categories established her as elite talent. The Bullhead City, Arizona native also claimed fourth-place in Ladies AA Trap Doubles, solidifying her status among top competitors nationwide.

“Last year’s near-miss fueled my determination to surpass personal limits,” shared Ricci. “This year’s results exceeded expectations remarkably.”

Ricci’s journey began unexpectedly at age 13 during a firearms introduction session. “Initially intended for self-defense training,” she recalled, “the range experience sparked immediate passion.” After rapid skill development, she joined Montreat’s program following Coach Powell’s discovery of her online competition footage.

Originally pursuing business studies, Ricci ultimately embraced Montreat’s visual communications program attracted by its design-focused curriculum and intimate academic environment. “Small class sizes enable meaningful professor-student relationships,” she emphasized.

Program Evolution
Now in its fifth competitive season, Montreat’s clay target program achieved unprecedented success. Building upon 2026’s silver medal in Sporting Clays, this year secured Division III Super Sporting national championship alongside Division III Doubles Trap bronze. The team ranked seventh among 59 Division III contenders.

“Team size fluctuates between five and twenty-one members,” Powell shared. “Next season’s target of 25-27 shooters reflects our growth trajectory toward sustained national competitiveness.”

Foundational principles guide team conduct: unwavering integrity (West Point-inspired ethos) and collaborative excellence. “Good teammates support each other academically and athletically,” Powell clarified. “Consistent attendance and punctuality demonstrate professionalism.”

Primary training occurs at Biltmore Sporting Clays Club within Asheville’s historic estate grounds. Weekly mandatory practice sessions align with academic schedules. “National champions emerge from daily commitment,” Powell asserted. “I provide unlimited ammunition access—except during finals week.”

Senior Brady Cox exemplifies leadership legacy as long-time captain. His 554 score placed him 22nd among ~1,000 competitors, earning Second Team All-American honors. Graduating this year, Cox leaves enduring impact through mentorship and sportsmanship.

Future Aspirations
Building on current momentum, Montreat aims for enhanced national recognition. “Team cohesion proved decisive this year,” Ricci affirmed. “Maintaining this familial dynamic positions us strongly for future campaigns.”

Powell similarly expressed ambition. “We fell short in select events—this fuels renewed determination.” Continued improvement remains paramount as the program advances toward elevated achievement.