Athlete Spotlight: Caitlin Connor

Caitlin shoots Women’s Skeet and is the 2022 ISSF President’s Cup Champion and Golden Target Winner.

Where are you from?

Winnfield, Louisiana. I now live in Hillsdale, Michigan, because I am the assistant shotgun coach at Hillsdale College.

How did you get into the sport of shooting?

I started in 4-H shooting sports in Louisiana when I was 15 years old. 4-H led me to the Scholastic Clays Target Program (SCTP) and from there I learned about the Olympic style of shooting. I help coach through SCTP now.

What is your favorite aspect about the sport?

I love that it challenges me, and I get the opportunity to meet new people who have the same dreams and goals that I do.

What was it like to compete at the 2022 President’s Cup?

Being able to see the pyramids and to shoot in Cairo’s new facility was great. It was really cool because the world’s top 12 ranked athletes were battling it out. It was a lot different than any of the competitions I have even competed in. You had to requalify during every day of competition to move on.

What has been your favorite competition thus far?

I won the World Championships in 2018; that has been the top for me. Right now, the 2022 Lonato World Cup is definitely a close second. I won gold in every event that I shot in: individual women’s skeet, 3-man team skeet, and mixed team skeet.

What is your favorite part about working for Hillsdale College?

I believe that we share the same views and values and I really like the community of people here. They are definitely pro-Second Amendment, as I am, and it is a very good fit.

What or who motivates you when it comes to competing?

Women’s skeet is so dominant not only in the U.S. but overseas. We have so many talented and motivated Women’s skeet shooters so you have to keep pushing yourself to be better or you will get left behind. Trying to keep up with the rest of them keeps me motivated.

What do you do in your free time?

I go fishing and hunting if I have time. I go for walks with my dogs and enjoy reading and watching new shows on Netflix.

Caitlin shooting as a child. Courtesy photo