Hunting And Outdoor SportsShooting Competition
UAM Trap Team Shines as Sarah Forrest Takes Female Division Title
UAM Trap Shooter Wins Female Division in Magnolia
📅
✍️By ZRIntel Editorial Team📍Magnolia, Arkansas
Original Article
UAM Trap Shooter Wins Female Division in Magnolia
Source: armoneyandpolitics.com
View original articleIn an impressive start to their inaugural season, the University of Arkansas at Monticello (UAM) trap shooting team has already begun to make headlines, thanks to Sarah Forrest, a sophomore who clinched the top prize in the female division at the "Clays for a Cause" Trap Shoot Fundraiser held on March 15. The event took place at the Farmers Bank & Trust Trap Shooting Range located at Southern Arkansas University in Magnolia, where participants demonstrated not only skill but also a commitment to charitable causes.
Forrest’s achievement marks a significant milestone in her fledgling career as a collegiate athlete, following a strong performance during the team's first competition earlier in the season. Her journey into trap shooting began at a young age, inspired by her brother, and she has since honed her skills through relentless training and competition with local organizations like the Back Woods Trap Shooters of Bradley County.
The formation of the UAM trap shooting team in fall 2025 has provided a platform for students to engage in the sport at a higher level, with dedicated training held weekly. For Forrest, participating in this sport serves as a creative outlet and a means to relieve stress. She echoes her sentiment, stating that mastering the mental aspects can significantly impact performance. The diverse makeup of the team, with 15 members from UAM and its affiliated colleges, further emphasizes the inclusive and burgeoning interest in competitive shooting.
Looking ahead, the UAM team has exciting opportunities, with their next tournament scheduled for April 11, coinciding with the Annual Ducks Unlimited Trap Shoot, and they have qualified for the prestigious 2026 Scholastic Clay Target Program National Championship in Marengo, Ohio.
The rise of collegiate trap shooting teams across the U.S. reflects an increasing acceptance and institutional support for shooting sports in educational settings. Events like the "Clays for a Cause" serve a dual purpose: they foster community engagement while allowing young athletes to showcase their skills in a competitive environment. This is particularly relevant as the accessibility of such programs provides an entry point for many students who may not have previously engaged with firearms in a structured manner.
The success of UAM's trap shooting team not only highlights individual accomplishments like that of Sarah Forrest but also shines a spotlight on the growth of shooting as an organized sport. This growing interest may contribute positively to the firearms culture, as young shooters learn responsibility, discipline, and competitive spirit—all essential traits in the 2A community.
Furthermore, the team's participation in competitions promotes a culture of safety and skill development, which is crucial in today’s firearms discourse. As collegiate programs expand, they may represent a vital investment in the future of shooting sports, potentially influencing legislation and cultural perceptions of shooting, especially in a climate where firearm discussions are often polarized.
With female participation becoming more visible, the representation of women in shooting sports could further encourage diversity within the community, prompting more discussions about gender inclusivity within traditionally male-dominated areas.
The accomplishments of Sarah Forrest and the UAM trap shooting team signal a promising trend toward institutional support for shooting sports, which may impact both the firearms culture and broader societal perceptions of responsible gun ownership. While it remains to be seen how these developments will influence legislative discourse, the rise of collegiate teams points to a growing acceptance of shooting as both a sport and an educational opportunity. This is an encouraging sign for advocates of the Second Amendment, indicating that the next generation of shooters is embracing responsibility alongside competitive spirit. However, as the landscape evolves, continued focus on safety and training will be essential to secure the future of shooting sports in educational institutions.