Carrie Methany, a formidable force in the world of sporting
clays, hails from Roanoke, Virginia. Her journey into this demanding and
challenging sport is as inspiring as it is unique, blending a lifelong love for
the outdoors with an unyielding determination to excel, despite physical
challenges that might have deterred a lesser spirit.
Early Life and Diverse Outdoor Pursuits
Carrie's upbringing was steeped in outdoor activities. She
grew up in a family that cherished nature and adventure, which laid the
groundwork for her diverse interests and skills. Soccer, swimming (where she
excelled in the butterfly stroke), whitewater kayaking, camping, rock climbing,
and even ice climbing were integral parts of her youth. This diverse athletic
background instilled in her a love for physical challenges and the outdoors.
Her educational journey took her to the University of Iowa,
where she pursued and earned a master’s degree in metalsmithing. After
completing her degree, she returned to Virginia, embarking on a new chapter of
her life that would eventually lead her to the world of competitive shooting.
Photo Credit: Little Trapper Inc. & James Byrd
Introduction to Shooting Sports
Carrie’s entry into shooting sports was somewhat
serendipitous. Upon moving back to Virginia and purchasing her first home, her
father gifted her a Marlin .22 rifle to manage the groundhogs in her garden.
This gift reignited a passion for shooting, which was further fueled by a
fly-fishing buddy who introduced her to indoor shooting ranges, Glock matches,
and International Defensive Pistol Association (IDPA) competitions. Her
interest in shooting sports evolved, leading her to participate in 3-gun competitions.
A pivotal moment in her shooting career occurred at a
"Girl and A Gun" 3-gun match. During a multi-sport competition day,
she was introduced to 5-stand shooting and CZ over-and-under shotguns. Carrie’s
immediate success in this discipline, marked by a victory that day, convinced
her that sporting clays was her calling.
Overcoming Physical Challenges
Despite her love for the dynamic nature of 3-gun
competitions, Carrie faced significant physical limitations due to multiple
surgeries, including bilateral hip replacements and the need for knee
replacements. These challenges would have sidelined many athletes, but Carrie
found a new passion in sporting clays, a sport that allowed her to compete at a
high level without the same physical demands.
Sporting clays provided Carrie with a renewed sense of
purpose and achievement. She immersed herself in the sport, acquiring a used CZ
Supreme Field gun and dedicating herself to rigorous practice. Often training
three to four days a week, she taught herself to shoot while managing the clays
with manual controls.
Photo Credit: Carrie Methany
Rapid Ascent in Sporting Clays
Carrie’s dedication and hard work paid off quickly. One of
her early competitions at Cosner Reserve Sporting Clays saw her achieve High
Overall (HOA) in the true pair event, igniting her passion for competition.
Within a year, she ascended from novice to master class, a testament to her
natural talent and relentless practice.
Seeking to refine her skills, Carrie sought guidance from
top instructors like Anthony Matarese and Mike Luongo. Their coaching helped
her improve her gun fit and shooting technique, further enhancing her
performance. Each lesson brought renewed motivation and new challenges to
conquer, keeping her engagement with the sport fresh and dynamic.
Geographic Challenges and Dedication
One of Carrie’s significant struggles in pursuing her
passion is her location. Based in Roanoke, Virginia, she often finds herself
traveling long distances to attend matches and practice at challenging courses.
Her dedication is evident as she regularly drives three to five hours to places
like Hermitage Sporting Grounds or Rocky Creek to hone her skills.
Despite these geographic challenges, Carrie remains
undeterred. Her commitment to the sport and her drive to compete at the highest
level are unwavering. Her goals for the year include improving her performance
in FITASC (Fédération Internationale de Tir aux Armes Sportives de Chasse),
developing a solid routine, and focusing on main events, even if it means
reducing participation in side events.
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Accomplishments and Recognition
Carrie’s achievements in sporting clays are numerous and
impressive. She is a three-time Virginia ladies state champion and the 2024
Ladies East Coast champion. Her accolades include being a two-time Krieghoff All-American
and ranking fourth on the 2024 Ladies First Team. She also made Briley’s Ladies
First Team in 20-gauge, 28-gauge, and .410 bore, as well as the B&P FITASC
Second Team.
Her competitive spirit and skill have earned her high honors
at prestigious events. Notably, she was the HOA at the Omni Homestead Resort in
2023 and claimed the first-place spot at the Great American Shoot in 2022,
where she was part of the Oak Grove Technology team. Her success is a direct
result of countless hours of practice and dedication, which have seen her wear
out a CZ Supreme Field gun and a Beretta 694. Currently, she competes with a
Krieghoff K-80 Sporter and reloads all her practice shells except for National
Sporting Clays Association (NSCA) competitions.
Mentorship and Community
Carrie is not only a competitor but also a mentor and
advocate for the shooting sports community. She founded Carrie’s Clay Crushers,
an initiative aimed at introducing more people to shooting sports. She finds
immense joy in witnessing newcomers break their first clays and strives to
foster a supportive and inclusive community.
Her advice to new shooters is to surround themselves with
skilled shooters who can provide valuable insights and push them to improve.
The camaraderie and friendships she has formed through the sport are among her
most cherished rewards.
Photo Credit: Carrie Methany & Little Trapper Inc.
Balancing Multiple Roles
Outside of her shooting career, Carrie leads a fulfilling
life with diverse interests and responsibilities. She serves as an adjunct
professor at Radford University and manages her family’s rental business. Her
love for the outdoors continues with activities like fly-fishing and kayaking,
and she enjoys spending quality time with her dog.
Photo Credit: Little Trapper Inc.
Looking Ahead
Carrie’s future in sporting clays looks promising as she
continues to set ambitious goals and pursue excellence. She is excited about
participating in pro squads at the US Open and Nationals, eager to learn and
grow from these experiences. Her relentless drive, combined with her love for
the sport and the community it fosters, ensures that Carrie Methany will remain
a prominent figure in the world of sporting clays for years to come.
In conclusion, Carrie Methany’s journey in sporting clays is
a testament to her resilience, dedication, and passion. Her ability to overcome
physical challenges, rapidly ascend the ranks, and contribute to the community
highlights her as a true trailblazer in the sport. As she continues to break
new ground and inspire others, Carrie’s impact on sporting clays and the
broader shooting sports community will undoubtedly endure.
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Great article! I’ve never shot with Carrie, however I’ve witnessed her shooting from beginning to this point in her journey. Congratulations young Lady! Great shooting at the Heat is on!