Harrison is two-time national winner in clay target

At the 2026 ACUI (Association of College Unions International, Clay Target) National Championship in San Antonio, Texas, Ella Grace Harrison earned the title of national runner-up in Class C skeet, adding another milestone to her clay target career. In 2025, Ella Grace Harrison was the national champion in Class C trap. Harrison’s talent and dedication continue to pay off.

A sophomore criminal justice major from Winnsboro, South Carolina, Harrison has worked her whole life at developing her skills in clay target. Now, an impactful part of her college experience has been competing on CSU’s clay target team.

Harrison said her introduction to clay target began with family at a very young age. She has spent much time outdoors fishing, hunting, and shooting with her father. Harrison’s dad, Hank Harrison, has played a major role in her growth in the sport, even coaching her team in the past. “He has been a huge inspiration to me,” she said.

This has been a competitive sport for Harrison since middle school, and she became a state champion in high school. She appreciates all her coaches, and they have helped her strengthen her skills in the sport.

Harrison said that CSU Coach Thomas Cousins is an amazing coach and is always there for Harrison and her teammates when they need him.

Competing at the national level, Harrison explained that the targets are more difficult, and everyone at the competition shoots phenomenally and has rightfully earned their place with hard work. Harrison enjoys being able to be out there and seeing those that she has formed meaningful bonds with through the community of clay target over the years.

Harrison is dedicated at practice and appreciates the competitive aspect of clay targets. Working as a team is also a large part of the sport.

“You have to rely on your teammates,” she said. “If you’re having a bad day, you have to work to bring each other up.”

Harrison loves her sport and appreciates the mental resilience it has given her. This resilience overflows into her discipline in classes, and she is always striving to be the best she can be academically as well.

“I’ve always loved being outdoors and appreciate the mental part of it. It teaches you to not only thrive under that pressure, but to push through when things get tough,” she explained.