University of Kentucky Rifle Team Named Team of the Year at The Catspy Awards

The University of Kentucky (UK) Rifle team’s season has been nothing short of remarkable. Their impressive runner-up finish at the 2025 National Championships cemented their place among the best collegiate shooting teams in the nation, and the team’s success didn’t go unnoticed. At the prestigious 2025 Catspy Awards, the UK Rifle team was honored with the highly coveted title of Team of the Year. This recognition is a testament to their dedication, teamwork, and unwavering focus throughout the season.

• This victory marked a significant achievement for the team, one that not only highlighted their skill but also their resilience in the face of immense competition. The Catspy Awards, known for honoring the best athletes and teams at the University of Kentucky, are the university’s highest sporting accolades. Winning Team of the Year at the Catspy Awards is a monumental achievement for any program, but for the UK Rifle team, it is especially meaningful as they continue to rise in prominence within collegiate athletics.

The 2024-2025 UK Rifle team had an unforgettable season. From the very first competition, it was clear that this was a team determined to make an impact. Their journey to Nationals was marked by impressive victories, close finishes, and remarkable individual performances. Every match was an opportunity for the team to push the boundaries of what they could achieve, and as the season progressed, their goal of a top finish at Nationals became a driving force.

The team’s season began with a series of successful head-to-head meets against some of the top-ranked programs in collegiate rifle shooting. These contests were no easy feat, as UK faced off against powerhouse programs such as West Virginia, Texas Christian University (TCU), and Alaska Fairbanks. What set UK apart from many other teams was their remarkable consistency. In both smallbore and air rifle events, the Wildcats were able to post some of the highest team scores in the nation, demonstrating a blend of technical precision, composure under pressure, and incredible teamwork.

By the time they arrived at the 2025 National Championships, UK had earned their spot through hard work, determination, and sheer skill. The Wildcats were positioned among the elite programs, and all eyes were on them as they entered the final rounds. The competition was fierce, and every match was a battle. In the end, UK finished as the runner-up in the National Championships, falling just short of the coveted first-place title. But their performance was nothing less than outstanding, and their runner-up finish at Nationals was a historic achievement for the program.

One of the key factors that set this UK Rifle team apart from others was their incredible sense of teamwork. While rifle shooting is often viewed as an individual sport, the Wildcats demonstrated that success in this arena is built on the foundation of collaboration, trust, and support.

Head Coach Harry Mulligan has been at the helm of the program for several years, and his leadership was a crucial component in the team’s success. Coach Mulligan’s coaching philosophy emphasizes not only skill development but also mental fortitude. He has long been known for his ability to foster an environment of camaraderie and collective success, pushing his athletes to be their best while maintaining a sense of unity.

The UK Rifle team’s success at Nationals was a direct result of the team’s unwavering focus on supporting one another. Each athlete knew that their individual performance mattered, but they also understood that the team’s overall success relied on their ability to push each other to perform at the highest level. From the first shot to the final round, the athletes demonstrated an unbreakable bond and an intense desire to see each other succeed.

“We are a family,” said senior captain Megan Waters, one of the team’s standout athletes this season. “Whether we’re on the firing line or off, we’re always pushing each other to be better. That’s what makes this team so special.”

This sentiment was echoed by many members of the team, and it played a crucial role in their consistency throughout the season. By supporting one another in every practice, competition, and mental preparation session, the Wildcats proved that their unity was a key factor in their success.

While rifle shooting is a highly technical sport, the individuals who make up a team play an integral role in achieving success. For the UK Rifle team, several athletes emerged as standouts this season, combining skill, mental toughness, and leadership to help propel the Wildcats to their runner-up finish at Nationals.

Megan Waters: As one of the team’s senior captains, Megan Waters played a critical role in both the leadership and performance of the team. A standout in both smallbore and air rifle, Waters consistently delivered top scores throughout the season. Her discipline, focus, and leadership on and off the range were key assets to the team’s success.

“Being part of this team has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life,” said Waters, whose consistency in big matches helped secure her place as one of the nation’s top collegiate rifle athletes. “It’s not just about the scores, it’s about making sure the team stays motivated, stays strong, and stays together.”

Elliot Brooks: Known for his precision and consistency in air rifle, sophomore Elliot Brooks emerged as a rising star for the Wildcats. Throughout the season, he regularly posted some of the highest individual scores for UK, often coming through in clutch moments during critical competitions. His performance at Nationals, which included a near-perfect round in the finals, was instrumental in securing the runner-up position for the team.

Brooks, who joined the team as a freshman just a year ago, demonstrated incredible growth in his second season. His mental toughness and competitive edge were key reasons why the Wildcats remained competitive at such a high level.

Claire Jensen: A seasoned veteran of the UK Rifle team, junior Claire Jensen brought invaluable experience to the Wildcats’ roster. A sharp shooter with a deep understanding of the technical aspects of the sport, Jensen’s calm and methodical approach to every competition allowed her to consistently perform at an elite level. Her leadership within the team’s training sessions helped younger athletes improve their techniques and mental strategies.

Dylan Phelps: The freshman sensation on the team, Dylan Phelps made an immediate impact in his first season at UK. A highly touted recruit, Phelps demonstrated a level of poise and maturity that belied his age. His strong performances during the regular season were crucial in helping UK secure its spot at Nationals, and his efforts were pivotal in their strong showing at the championship.

At the heart of UK Rifle’s remarkable season is Coach Harry Mulligan, whose leadership has been a driving force behind the team’s success. Mulligan, who has been coaching at UK for over a decade, has transformed the program into one of the nation’s premier rifle teams. Under his guidance, the Wildcats have consistently been in contention for national titles, and their runner-up finish at Nationals this season is just the latest example of his coaching excellence.

“Mulligan has this incredible ability to keep everyone grounded, focused, and motivated,” said senior Megan Waters. “He understands the mental side of the sport so well, and he’s able to help us stay calm and composed, even when the pressure is at its highest.”

Mulligan’s coaching philosophy focuses on building the mental toughness required to succeed in a sport as mentally demanding as rifle shooting. His emphasis on visualization techniques, confidence-building exercises, and strategic planning has helped UK become one of the most resilient teams in collegiate rifle shooting. This unique approach was key to their success throughout the season and their ultimate runner-up finish at Nationals.

The Catspy Awards are the University of Kentucky’s premier athletic awards, honoring the most outstanding athletes and teams for their accomplishments throughout the year. The award ceremony recognizes not only individual performance but also collective success, making it an ideal platform for celebrating team achievements. For the UK Rifle team, winning Team of the Year at the Catspys was a momentous occasion, highlighting their incredible journey and solidifying their status as one of the nation’s top programs.

“This award means so much to us,” said Coach Mulligan after receiving the Catspy Award for Team of the Year. “It’s a recognition of the hard work, dedication, and commitment these athletes have put in all year long. We’ve built something special here at UK, and this is just the beginning.”

As the UK Rifle team reflects on their incredible season, they are already looking forward to the future. With a talented roster that includes both seasoned veterans and promising newcomers, the team is well-positioned for continued success in the years to come. The runner-up finish at Nationals serves as a powerful reminder of the potential within the program, and the Catspy Award for Team of the Year only fuels their desire to continue pushing the boundaries of excellence.

“We’ve accomplished a lot this season, but we’re not done yet,” said Coach Mulligan. “We’ve got the talent, the drive, and the passion to take this program even further. This team has what it takes to win a national title, and we’ll keep working until we get there.”

As the Wildcats continue to train, improve, and build on their success, it’s clear that the UK Rifle team is a program on the rise. The runner-up finish at Nationals and the prestigious Catspy Award for Team of the Year are just the beginning of what promises to be a bright future for UK Rifle.

The 2025 season for the University of Kentucky Rifle team was a historic one. Their runner-up finish at Nationals and subsequent recognition as Team of the Year at the Catspy Awards is a testament to their exceptional talent, dedication, and teamwork. This achievement not only honors the hard work of the athletes and coaches but also solidifies UK’s place as one of the premier programs in collegiate rifle shooting. As they look to the future, the UK Rifle team is poised for even greater success, with a program built on the principles of excellence, unity, and relentless pursuit of greatness.