Although our time together is far from over, our journey so far has been challenging and fulfilling. It has been a path of intense joy, discomfort, and personal growth. You have given me almost every accolade an aspiring athlete could dream of, but what I remember most are not the medals and scores — but the process and effort required to get those.
My hours on the range every day have done so much more than improve my performance. You have taught me true mental toughness and how to be gritty in the most difficult moments. You have showed me how to balance a team’s needs with my own and the value of a supportive community around me. And most importantly, you have created in me a genuine passion to be a student of the game.
Over my career thus far, I have learned that being an athlete is not like a ski lift, straight up to the top of the mountain of success, but more like a hike through peaks and valleys of emotions, failures, and progress. It is through this journey that juvenile excitement stemming from novelty transforms into a deep desire to achieve one’s full potential, no matter the obstacles. It is through these peaks and valleys that greatness is made and the journey to become a better athlete creates a better person.
In the 8 years I have been shooting, you have introduced me to many coaches, mentors, and teammates that share my desire to be the best they can be, and to help me be the best I can be. For that, I am eternally grateful. You have also given me the opportunity to travel to more countries than I can count, instilling in me a deep respect for different cultures and a deep pride in my own.
My hope is that the next chapter of my rifle career provides even bigger challenges and even more fulfillment than my 4 years in college. I’ve realized I do not want the highs of being an athlete without the lows, the successes without the opportunity to learn from failure. What I want most out of this sport is to leave the range each day fulfilled, knowing I improved, I enjoyed my time, and I am closer to reaching my potential.
Rifle, thank you for all you have given me the last 8 years, and thank you for the opportunity to continue for many years to come.