Ryan Phillips, a Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi student from Gail, Texas, has been making waves in trap shooting since she was eight. Introduced to the sport through her mother and a youth club, Phillips quickly found her passion in the challenge of hitting moving clay targets. Her journey in trap shooting took a significant turn in 7th grade when she excelled at an event in San Antonio, catching the attention of USA Shooting. It led to her invitation to the state Junior Olympics, where she clinched her first victory, setting the stage for a promising career.
Phillips’ dedication to trap shooting has taken her around the globe, from winning silver at the Junior World Championships in Lima, Peru, in 2021 to dominating junior competitions in Korea. Her international accolades didn’t stop there; Phillips also secured a bronze medal in Paris as part of a three-man team, and most recently, she competed in an Open World Cup in Morocco, showcasing her growing prowess in the sport.
Despite her success, Phillips faces significant challenges, particularly in training. Living in Corpus Christi means the nearest shooting range is in Kerrville, nearly 200 miles away. This distance disadvantages Phillips compared to peers with more accessible training facilities. Yet, she remains undeterred, maximizing her training sessions to stay competitive.
Balancing her rigorous training schedule with academic commitments, Phillips is currently in her third year, pursuing a degree in Communications with a minor in Women, Gender, and Sexuality studies. She emphasizes the importance of time management and organization in juggling both aspects of her life, skills that are crucial for any athlete-student.
Phillips is also acutely aware of her role in a traditionally male-dominated sport. She takes pride in representing women in trap shooting and hopes to inspire more females to take up the sport. Her journey serves as a beacon for young athletes, especially women, looking to break into trap shooting or any other sport where gender disparities exist.
As Phillips sets her sights on the upcoming Summer Olympics, her story is not just about her achievements but also about perseverance, breaking barriers, and the importance of enjoying the journey. Her advice to aspiring trap shooters, both men and women, is simple yet profound: find joy in what you do. As she prepares for the Olympics, Ryan Phillips is a testament to what passion, dedication, and hard work can achieve despite significant obstacles.