Freshman Gretchen Deaver Wins ND Trap Shooting Title

A freshman athlete just proved that newcomers can become champions on their very first try.

Gretchen Deaver of Valley City State University won the individual title in American Trap at the 2026 Spring North Dakota State Collegiate Shooting Sports Championship on April 25 in Jamestown. The first-year competitor hit 94 out of 100 clay targets, tying for the High Female award in the singles competition.

When the dust settled, Deaver faced a shoot-off to determine the champion. She kept her focus and claimed the individual title, marking an impressive start to her collegiate shooting career.

Deaver wasn't alone in representing her school. She joined teammates Cali Steffan, Andy Nelson, Ty Awender, and Jake Hennings as VCSU's top five shooters of the day. Together, the squad placed fourth out of eight teams in the Team Trap competition.

Why This Inspires

Shooting sports demand incredible mental strength alongside physical skill. Every shot requires steady hands, sharp eyes, and the ability to block out pressure. For a freshman to perform at championship level shows remarkable composure under fire.

Deaver's win demonstrates what happens when young athletes trust their training and rise to the occasion. She didn't let inexperience hold her back. Instead, she competed with confidence against more seasoned shooters and came out on top.

Her success also highlights the growing opportunities in collegiate shooting sports. Programs like VCSU's give students a chance to compete, develop discipline, and represent their schools in a sport that values precision and mental toughness. These teams build character while creating pathways for athletes who might not fit the traditional sports mold.

The entire VCSU squad showed up ready to compete, proving that strong programs elevate everyone involved.

One freshman walked onto the range and left as a state champion, proving that talent and determination know no class year.