Missy Gunnels Captures Arkansas Trap Shooting Titles

The Magnolia athlete secured top honors in the singles and doubles events at the August tournament in Pocahontas.

Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Tennis

Expressive editorial sports illustration of a trap shooter aiming at a clay target, rendered in muted earthy tones.
Magnolia athlete Missy Gunnels won the High Lady title at the Amateur Trap Association tournament in Pocahontas, Arkansas, on August 22. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Missy Gunnels claimed the High Lady title at the August 22, 2026, Amateur Trap Association Shoot. She also earned a 4th place finish overall in the co-ed handicap championship during the event.

Why it matters

Gunnels' performance highlights the growing success of regional shooting athletes. Her achievements come as the University of Arkansas at Monticello trap team establishes itself as a competitive force in national tournaments.

Gunnels took 4th place in the co-ed handicap championship at the August shoot. Additionally, her collegiate team reached the top ten nationally at the 2026 Scholastic Clay Target Program National Championship.

The players

Missy Gunnels

An athlete from Magnolia who represents the University of Arkansas at Monticello in trap shooting competitions.

University of Arkansas at Monticello Trap Shooting team

A collegiate shooting organization based in Monticello that practices at a facility in Warren.

The details

Gunnels secured her titles by outperforming in both singles, where one clay target is launched, and doubles events, which feature two targets released simultaneously. These results follow her first-place finish in the women's college division at the 2026 Scholastic Clay Target Program South Central Regional tournament.

Timeline

  1. The University of Arkansas at Monticello Trap Shooting team was formed in fall 2025.

  2. Missy Gunnels was named High Lady at the Amateur Trap Association Shoot on August 22, 2026.

Season Trajectory

The rise of the University of Arkansas at Monticello team within the Scholastic Clay Target Program signals a broader institutional commitment to developing collegiate shooting sports. This momentum places the program as a rising contender in future regional and national competition brackets.

Gunnels' success confirms her standing as a top competitor for the remainder of the collegiate shooting season. Her consistent rankings in singles and doubles provide a competitive baseline for future Scholastic Clay Target Program events.

The takeaway

Success in trap shooting requires high precision in both singles and doubles disciplines. Aspiring shooters should focus on mastering simultaneous target acquisition to match the performance levels seen at the state association level.

Further reading

For more updates on regional athletic achievements, visit Arkansas Tennis.

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Should local universities prioritize adding niche athletic teams like trap shooting for their student body?