How can I join the United States Naval Academy's shooting team?

I'm interested in competitive shooting and attending the United States Naval Academy. Can anyone share how to join their shooting team, what the requirements are, and how competitive it is to make the team?

The U.S. Naval Academy offers both Rifle and Pistol teams that compete in Division I NCAA, and members are recruited from the Midshipman Brigade, which includes all of USNA's students.

To join either of these teams, you would first need to gain admission to the U.S. Naval Academy. Given that the Naval Academy is one of the country's most competitive service academies, you'll want to have a strong academic profile, history of leadership, and physical fitness. You should also garner a nomination, often through your U.S. Representative or U.S. Senators, though there are other sources of nominations. Once you're at USNA, participation in these teams is organized through tryouts.

The USNA Rifle and Pistol teams' rosters include both recruited athletes and walk-ons. In order to increase your chances of making the team, prior experience in competitive shooting is beneficial but not mandatory. If you have this experience, include it in the Candidate Activities Record during your application to USNA.

The specific requirements to make the team can vary from year to year depending on the current team's composition and the abilities of the incoming Midshipmen. It's best to reach out directly to the team coaches before applying to get the most updated information. You can usually find their contact information from the official USNA Athletics website.

As for competitiveness, while it can vary each year, both the Rifle and Pistol teams usually have around 15 to 20 roster spots. Some of these are filled by returning members, and the rest are up for grabs during the tryouts. Given that the USNA student body is over 4,000 students, securing a spot can be quite competitive.

Start preparing now by maintaining your physical fitness, participating in leadership activities, keeping your grades high, and gaining as much experience as possible in competitive shooting. Being well-rounded is key to gaining admission to USNA and subsequently making the team.

Good luck!