Meet the athletes of the Murray State Rifle Team, a tight-knit group of 12 student-athletes who balance precision, mental toughness and a strong sense of community. The rifle team, while an individual sport, thrives on teamwork and support, cultivating an environment that fosters both athletic excellence and personal growth.
The rifle team’s culture revolves around camaraderie and mutual support. With only 12 athletes on the team, everyone knows each other well, creating a unique environment where teammates become family. The closeness of the team is not just about shared training sessions but about looking out for each other, both in and outside of the range.
“We’re a close-knit group, and that’s what makes us stronger,” Graduate student Allison Henry said. “We support each other, celebrate each other’s victories, and help each other through the tough times.”
Despite rifle shooting being an individual sport, the team works together in many ways.
“I always try to make the range a welcoming place, whether it’s inviting teammates to dinner or picking up coffee for them,” Sophomore Caroline Martin said. “The little things matter, and they make us feel like a family.”
The key to success: mental strength
Mental preparation is just as important as physical training for the Murray State Rifle Team. Each athlete has their ritual before a big competition, but all rely on mental techniques such as visualization, breathing exercises and mindfulness to stay focused under pressure.
“I visualize myself shooting the match and being successful,” Martin said. “It’s all about getting in the right mindset.”
Scott Patterson, senior design engineering technology major, follows a structured routine before the competition, spending time visualizing his shots, breathing deeply and eliminating distractions.
“It’s about staying calm and focused,” he said. “Once you’re locked in, you can execute your best shot.”
Coach Alan Lollar’s philosophy
When asked about his overall coaching philosophy, Head Coach Alan Lollar said he emphasizes the importance of fostering individual skills while also cultivating a sense of team cohesion.
“Shooters recruited to this level already have the technique and talent to succeed. We work with them to get better technically and everyone can always improve, but I believe at this level they know what to do. We help them do that at a higher, more consistent level,” Lollar said.
The team’s success isn’t just about individual growth, but also about teamwork.
“As a team, we work our MVP Process to enhance our competitive performance. This is our mental training program that helps us develop the skills to handle the challenges we meet on the range and in life,” he said.
Looking ahead, Lollar envisions the rifle program continuing to build on its solid foundation.
“Our MVP Process focuses on staying in the present moment. My goal is to win today and get one step closer to being ready for the weekend,” he said. “Today + Today + Today + Today = The Future. Take care of today, and the score takes care of itself.”
Coming together
The road to success isn’t always easy. For some, like Martin, balancing life as a student and an athlete can be a struggle.
“The split between range life and home life was difficult at first,” she said. “But I’ve learned how to manage that and keep a balance.”
Physical challenges also arise. Martin has battled knee issues, but with the help of athletic trainers and Lollar, she’s learned to manage her injuries. Henry’s experience with overcoming injury is a testament to her resilience—working through setbacks and finding ways to adapt her training.
Technological advancements in rifle
Technology has drastically transformed rifle shooting, and the Rifle Team benefits from cutting-edge innovations. Electronic trainers, like the Shooter’s Coordination Analysis Training System (SCATT), allow athletes to track their performance, while advancements in rifle equipment and shooting suits have raised the bar for competition.
“The technology in the sport has improved so much,” Patterson said. “Electronic targets and custom-fitted suits have made a huge difference in how we train and compete. It’s made us better athletes overall.”
Moments and milestones
For these athletes, the most memorable moments aren’t just about personal achievements—they’re about the bonds they’ve formed and the milestones they’ve reached together.
Henry recalls a moment when the team traveled to the University of Tennessee Martin in her senior year, bringing along a former teammate, Noelle Meals, for her first competition.
“It was such a great experience to see Noelle so excited to be there. She’s the best teammate I’ve ever had,” Henry said.
Martin’s most memorable moment was winning Freshman of the Year at the Conference Championships.
“It felt so euphoric, winning in front of my teammates and friends,” she said. “It was an incredible moment.”
For Patterson, the 2023 National Collegiate Athletic Association qualifier stands out.
“We broke every school record that day,” he said. “It was amazing to see the team come together and perform at such a high level.”
The road to future success
With graduation approaching, each athlete has their eyes set on the future. Patterson is focused on his goal of joining the 2028 Olympic team, while Martin plans to continue raising her match average and earn All-Ohio Valley Conference honors.
Henry, preparing to transition to life after college, said she hopes to leave Murray State as a better person and athlete.
“My goal is to continue growing and contributing to the team as I finish my master’s,” she said.
Ready to witness the power of precision and teamwork?
The Rifle Team is proof that excellence in an individual sport can be fueled by the support and strength of a close-knit team. Through mental toughness, technological advancements and unwavering support for each other, they’ve earned their place as one of the top rifle teams in the nation.
Check out the Murray State Rifle Team in action and see firsthand why they’re considered one of the best teams in the country. They will be competing in the NCAA Qualifiers on Saturday, Feb 22nd.
