Lilly Kent Rainey, a native of Eatonton, Georgia, is
making waves in the world of sporting clays. What began as a mere curiosity
soon turned into a passion for this energetic and driven young shooter.
Inspired by her brother's involvement in the sport, Lilly
Kent decided to step onto the firing line herself. Starting with a Beretta 20
Gauge Shotgun, she quickly progressed to a Beretta 690 12 gauge with a custom
TSK stock from Cole’s Fine Gunsmithing, enhancing her performance on the
course. Most times you will see and younger lady of smaller stature shooting a
semi-auto like an A400 to help them move the gun easier but not this one! I had
the pleasure of meeting her and her wonderful family “Team Rainey” out at the
2024 Southeast Regional Championships on the Super Sporting Course. Seeing them
out on the course was a direct reflection of what makes this sport a great one.
Mom, dad, and the grandparents made it out to Forrest City Gun Club, GA to watch
both her and her brother, Will Rainey, compete at the regional level.
Photo Credits: The Clay Lab
"Peace Out, Girl Scout”
-Lilly Kent Rainey
Described as a spitfire brimming with enthusiasm, Lilly
Kent is currently honing her skills under the guidance of coaches Kevin
Demichael and Shelby Moon. Her home courses, The Meadows and Old Hudson
Plantation, serve as the backdrop for her dedication to perfecting her craft. You
can usually spot this young lady on the course with her lip gloss and chokes in
her Castellani vest pocket.
Representing Gatewood Schools and the Lake Oconee Shotgun
Team, Lilly Kent competes in various tournaments, including NSSA skeet
tournaments and NSCA events. Her choice of Gamebore Rose Gold reflects her
confidence in the product, evident in her recent science fair project exploring
shotgun shell brands. When a shooter’s interest can be found both on and off
the range then you know you have found someone truly passionate about their
sport.
Photo Credits: Marie and Cooper Rainey
Despite her young age, Lilly Kent has her sights set
high. With dreams of joining Team USA, she diligently practices three times a
week, determined to reach the pinnacle of her sport. Her impressive performance
in the 2024 NSCA circuit, including a Main Event victory at Jack Links in
February, underscores her potential.
As she embarks on her tournament journey, Lilly Kent's
schedule is packed with prestigious events across the country. From the Jack
Link’s Cup to the National Sporting Clays Championship, she embraces every
opportunity to showcase her talent and passion for shooting.
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With her favorite events being 28 ga FITASC and super
sporting, Lilly Kent's rise in the sporting clays scene is nothing short of
remarkable. In just two years, she has transformed from a novice shooter to a
formidable competitor, leaving an indelible mark on the sport.
As Lilly Kent Rainey continues to chase her dreams and
conquer new heights in sporting clays, her journey serves as an inspiration to
aspiring shooters everywhere. With her unwavering determination and infectious
enthusiasm, she is undoubtedly a rising star to watch in the world of clay
shooting. So if you are ever out on the course and see a what looks like a fireball
of a personality go confidently strolling by with a Beretta 690 and a TSK Stock
from Cole Gunsmithing, wave and say hello, because it is very likely you just came
across the one and only Lilly Kent Rainey.
Lilly Kent plans to compete in the following competitions
this year. This alone should be a signal of her commitment to this game and her
goals as a young lady’s shooter.
Jack Link’s Cup
Seminole Cup
Gator Cup
US FITASC Grand Prix
Southeast Regional Championships
Georgia State FITASC
World Sporting Clays
Georgia State
World FITASC
US Open
Northeast Regional Championships
South Centra Regional Championships
National Sporting Clays Championships
Photo Credits: Marie and Cooper Rainey
