Clay target shooting is becoming one of the fastest-growing school sports in the country.
The USA Clay Target League (USACTL) just launched its 2025 fall season with a record-smashing 16,841 student-athletes, competing on 1,109 high school, college, and homeschool teams across the country. It’s the League’s 31st consecutive season of record-breaking growth—remarkable momentum for a sport many still consider niche.
“This year, more than 13,000 new athletes joined the League through their school’s teams, thanks to the efforts of the shooting ranges, coaches and parents that make teams flourish,” said John Nelson, USACTL president.
While traditional high school sports often come with budget constraints and roster limits, the USACTL’s inclusive format has turned clay target shooting into a legitimate alternative for student-athletes seeking competition, camaraderie and college pathways.
Unlike mainstream sports, there are no tryouts or benchwarmers. Everyone competes—and the League is proud to emphasize safety, sportsmanship and marksmanship as its core values. In fact, USACTL touts a perfect safety record since its founding in 2001. Every athlete must complete a certified firearm safety course before stepping on the range.
With more than 11,200 coaches and team staff supporting these programs, USACTL’s co-ed and adaptive structure allows all students, including those with physical disabilities, to compete side by side. It’s Title IX compliant, school-approved and even letter-worthy—complete with yearbook recognition and scholarship opportunities for seniors.
At the collegiate level, the fall season builds toward the USA College Clay Target League National Championship, held annually on Halloween—adding a competitive shooting crescendo to the academic calendar.
“More and more colleges and universities are capitalizing on the growth of the League to find and recruit students looking to further their education,” added Nelson. “By providing clay target sports, they’re providing an appealing, well-rounded education experience to their prospective students.”
With more than 55,000 athletes expected to compete in 2025, the USA Clay Target League isn’t just growing—it’s shaping the future of student sports, one target at a time.
