TIFTON, Ga. (WALB) — Claire Reeves, a senior at Tiftarea Academy, is this week’s Valdosta State Scholar Athlete of the Week, sponsored by Valdosta State University.

Reeves is a member of the shotgun team. She said she has been shooting a rifle since she could walk.

“I’ve been shooting a rifle since I could walk,” Reeves said. “It’s just like every time I pick one up, I just feel confident.”

Coaches describe her determination

Tiftarea shotgun coach Brian Vickers described Reeves as gritty:

“Just gritty... Claire changes more guns than Reba McIntyre does during a CMA award show.”

“She came to practice hungry. She was ready to learn and she was just so coachable,” Vickers said.

Competition results

“I had like placed first or second or third... It’s just the best feeling ever,” Reeves said.

“They’re probably looking to recruit some more girls just because of the kind of the legacy that Claire’s left behind,” Coach Keri Ponder said.

Reeves will compete in regionals on Oct. 24 and in the state championships from Oct. 29-31.

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