When you first meet Jill, you are struck by her poise and confidence. It is not very often that you meet a teenager who will look you in the eye, give you a firm hand shake and then be able to debate you in almost any subject you chose. What makes this encounter even more exceptional is the fact this pretty young lady is also the current Jr. Lady World Champion Skeet Shooter.
Jill has also won The Arizona State Championship, Runner up at The US Open, ACUI Regional High School Lady Champion, Third place at SCTP (Scholastic Clay Target Program) National Championships and the list goes on. Jill is fast on her way to being one of the best Lady Skeet Shooters in the country.
After seeing how much fun her brother was having, Jill Hawes started shooting at age twelve in the Scholastic Clay Target Program. Jill loves the challenge that skeet shooting gives her and she enjoys the competition and the bonds with her fellow shooters.
Off the range seventeen year old Jill is a pretty normal High School Senior, she worries about how her hair looks or what movies are out or how to finish her home work and still have enough time to train.
But watch out when she steps on the range. Her attitude changes to that of a Gladiator, her mental and physical focus on the target is almost palatable. Every move she makes has a purpose, every thought she has, is directed towards the targets flying at more than 40 miles per hour and what she needs to do to hit them.
Jill’s own words say it best “Shooting has affected me in so many different ways. I am more confident and better at handling pressure because of the friendships I have made and the competitions I have been in. These competitions have taught me that each target counts and I cannot give up or get angry. I have to forget the past and the future and concentrate on my next shot.”
Jill’s favorite quote “Shoot Like a Girl – If You Can.”
This Saturday, March 22, 2014 the public is invited to come out and watch this remarkable young lady go after another state championship. The Tucson Trap and Skeet Club is hosting the Arizona State SCTP Commissioners Cup Skeet Match. More than 300 youth ages 9 to 21 are expected to attend.