Restricted 18+ in CA in compliance with CA State Assembly Bill 2571 prohibiting the marketing of firearms to minors in the State of CA.

Skip to content

Civilian Marksmanship Program

  • Home
  • About
  • Donate
  • Sponsorship
  • Contact
  • Search
  • Calendar
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Twitter
  • Youtube
  • MeWe
  • Auction
  • Competition Tracker
  • E-Store
  • Forum
  • Join Our Email List
  • Live Targets
  • Photos
  • Home
    Skip This Navigation Section
    • NM SUPPORT TEAM – NEW MEMBER FORM
    • RETURNING NM SUPPORT TEAM FORM
    • Privacy Policy
    End of Navigation Section
  • About
    Skip This Navigation Section
    • Director Emeritus
    • Director of Civilian Marksmanship
    • Board of Directors
    • Programs Chief
    End of Navigation Section
  • Donate
  • Sponsorship
  • Contact
  • Search
  • Youth
    Skip This Navigation Section
    • Air Gun Matches
    • College Resources
    • Aces Postal
    • American Legion Junior 3PAR Tournament
    • JROTC 3PAR Matches
      • National JROTC Air Rifle Championship History
    • Junior Rifle Camps and Clinics
      • Junior Air Rifle Camp Counselors
      • Application to Host a CMP Summer Camp
      • Junior Rifle Camp Counselor Resources
    • Junior Distinguished Badge
    • Postal and Regional 3PAR CMP Matches
      • CMP 3PAR Regional Championships
      • CMP 3PAR State Championships
    • CMP National 3PAR Championship
      • State 3PAR Junior Olympic Championships
      • CMP National 3PAR Championship History
    • National Trophy Junior Team Match
    • 3PAR Shooting information
      • 3PAR FAQs
      • Sanctioning 3PAR Matches
      • National 3PAR Council
      • 3PAR Forms
      • 3PAR National Records
      • National Standard 3PAR Rules
    • CMP Scholarship Program
    • CMP-USMC Highpower Rifle Clinic
    End of Navigation Section
  • Clubs
    Skip This Navigation Section
    • Club-Related Forms
    • CMP Affiliate Rifle Purchase Program
    • Club News
    • Become Affiliated with CMP
      • CMP Affiliation Application Form
      • Benefits of Club Affiliation
    • CMP MOU's
    • CMP-Affiliated State Associations
      • M1 Garand Fund Development Program
    • Club-Sanctioned Clinics and Matches
    • Find a CMP-Affiliated Club Near You
    • Form a CMP Marksmanship Club
    End of Navigation Section
  • Compete
    Skip This Navigation Section
    • ACES POSTAL COMPETITION
    • CMP National Records
    • CMP Smallbore Program
      • CMP Smallbore Postal Program
    • CMP Air Rifle and Air Pistol Program
    • CMP League Matches
    • Get Started
    • Matches
      • Air Gun Matches
      • CMP Match Award Donors
      • Talladega Matches
      • Camp Perry Matches
      • Military Matches
      • Rimfire Sporter Rifle Matches
      • All Upcoming Matches
    • Register for a CT Number
    • Distinguished Badge Program
      • Distinguished Marksman Badge
    • Competition Rulebooks
    • Forms
    • CMP Pistol Program
      • CMP Bianchi Cup
    • CMP Live Target Images
    • CMP Travel Games
    • Marksmanship Forums
    • Junior Highpower Support Program
    • CMP Rifle Program
    End of Navigation Section
  • National Matches
    Skip This Navigation Section
    • CMP Industry Day
    • National Smallbore Matches
    • National Air Gun Matches
    • National Matches Junior Camp
    • National Matches Support Team
    • Long Range Matches
    • National Trophy Pistol Matches
    • Awards & Trophies
      • Vintage Sniper Match
      • CMP Game Events Awards
      • Long Range Awards
      • Individual Pistol Awards
      • National Trophies
      • National Trophy Individual and Aggregate Rifle Awards
      • National Trophy Team Rifle Awards
      • National Trophy Infantry Team Rifle Awards
      • Team and Special Aggregate Pistol Awards
    • National Matches First Shot Ceremony speakers
    • National Matches Air Gun Events
    • National Matches Welcome Center Information
    • National Rimfire Sporter Rifle Match
    • National Matches Spectator Events
    • National Matches Camps, Clinics, and Schools
    • National Trophy Rifle Matches
    • Directions to Camp Perry
    • Area Lodging Info
    • CMP National Championship Matches
    • National CMP Games Events
    • National Matches Archive project
    • Commercial Row Information
    End of Navigation Section
  • Education
    Skip This Navigation Section
    • Basic Archery Course
    • Advanced Maintenance Class
    • Basic Pistol Course
    • Advanced Highpower Clinic
    • GSMM Master Instructor Training and Certification
      • GSM Master Instructor Resources
    • Armorer's Corner
    • Clinics
    • NM COLLECTOR SOFTWARE - CMP EDITION
    • Other Resources
    • Range Officer Training Course
      • Range Officer Training Course: Level II Rifle
      • Range Officer Training Course: Level II Pistol
    • Shooting Tips from the USAMU Service Rifle Team
      • USAMU FAQs: Equipment and Ammunition
      • USAMU FAQs: Shooting Positions
      • USAMU FAQs: Shooting Techniques and Tactics
    • Information on CMP Target Systems
    • Basic Rifle Class
    • Introduction to Shotgun Class
    • JROTC Marksmanship Instructor Course
      • JMIC- Master Instructor Resources
    • State Directors
      • CMP State Director News Submission Form
      • CMP State Director Application
    • Small Arms Firing Schools at the National Matches
    • Rifle and Pistol Training
    • Coaching Resources
      • Air Rifle Target Stand Plans
    End of Navigation Section
  • News & Media
    Skip This Navigation Section
    • National Matches Results Bulletins
    • CMP Podcasts
    • CMP Media Kit
    • ON THE MARK Newsletter
      • An On the Mark Series by: Gary Anderson
    • Customer Comments/Feedback
    • CMP Publications and Training Materials
    • The First Shot
    • CMP Shooting News Archives
      • Join Our Email List
    End of Navigation Section
  • Safety
  • Sales & Services
    Skip This Navigation Section
    • Ordering Information
    • CMP Program & Sales Specials
    • Rifle Sales
    • Creedmoor Rifles & Accessories
    • CMP Gift Certificates
    • 1911 Sales Information
    • Videos - M1 Garand
    • CMP Purchase Eligibility Requirements
    • Club Sales Index
    • Custom Gunsmithing
    • Firearm and Parts Sales Links
    • Guns on Auction
    • How CMP Supports Veteran Organizations
    • Visit CMP Stores
    • CMP Target Sales Program
    End of Navigation Section
  • Ranges
    Skip This Navigation Section
    • Air Gun Competition Centers
      • Anniston, Alabama Lodging
      • CMP Monthly Match Program
      • Open Marksmanship
    • CMP Talladega Marksmanship Park
      • Talladega Matches & Events
      • CMP Talladega Pro Shop
      • Talladega Marksmanship Park Shotgun Events
      • 5K Range Run & 1K Fun Run
      • 3D Archery Range
      • Talladega Marksmanship Park Sponsorships
      • Paver Project
      • Talladega Marksmanship Park area lodging info
    • CMP Targets at Petrarca Range
      • CMP Petrarca Monthly .22 Bench League
    End of Navigation Section

Junior Natalie Perrin Takes On The World and West Virginia University in 2021

April 29, 2021

Civilian Marksmanship Program▸The First Shot▸Junior Natalie Perrin Takes On The World and West Virginia University in 2021

Natalie Perrin, 18, of Coopersville, Michigan, has had one clear aspiration since she first got serious about marksmanship.

“I’ve always wanted to compete in college,” she said. 

Junior competitor Natalie Perrin is off to WVU’s rifle team in 2021.

On her 18th birthday, in November 2020, Perrin reached her goal by signing a National Letter of Intent with West Virginia University (WVU) Rifle – one of the premier collegiate marksmanship programs in the country.

Perrin, a talented junior athlete, received several letters from respected NCAA schools hoping to get her to join their programs. It was a tough choice, but after getting to know the coaching staff and team members of West Virginia, she knew where she wanted to continue her budding rifle career.

“I’m really excited to work with Coach (John) Hammond and Coach (Soren) Butler on a daily basis and to get to train with the team,” she said. “I think it may be challenging at first to juggle rifle and academics, but I know I will have a good support system there for me.” 

Along with working with the team, Perrin says she’s ready to experience all aspects of college life, like representing WVU and being a part of its atmosphere. Right now, she thinks the most challenging part will be acclimating to life in Morgantown, where WVU is located, and being away from home for an extended period of time. 

But, that’s okay. Perrin has never shied away from a challenge – and she usually comes out on top.

In 2019-2020 alone, Perrin shot the highest air rifle score in the state of Michigan, collected a pair of Junior Olympic gold medals and won the 2020 state smallbore title.

During the Civilian Marksmanship Program’s (CMP) 2021 Winter Home Range Series event, she topped the precision 3×20 Air Rifle and 3×20 50-Foot Metallic Sight Smallbore (Open and Junior) matches, while finishing in the top three spots of the 60 Shot Smallbore Prone and 60 Shot Air Rifle competitions.

She can be found at several events throughout the year, like CMP’s Monthly Matches at Camp Perry.

She can be found at several events throughout the year, like CMP’s Monthly Matches at Camp Perry.

Perrin is also a regular to the Gary Anderson CMP Competition Center at Camp Perry, participating in the annual Monthly Match League. In 2020, she led the 3×20 Precision and 60 Shot Rifle matches in the final League results – staying steady at the top of the leaderboard each month she competed.

Not stopping there, she went on to become the top junior competitor at Camp Perry during the 2020 USA Shooting Winter Airgun Championships, and she completely controlled the junior match during the two-day Dixie Double air gun event at CMP’s South Competition Center in November. She marked her Dixie Double showing as one of her favorite career accomplishments, so far.

A part of marksmanship that she loves most is seeing her fellow competitors and friends at competitions.

“It was just a really fun match and I think one of the firsts that we were able to all get together again and compete at a good size match,” Perrin said. “This match also helped me get on the team to go down and compete in El Salvador, which is another favorite experience of mine.” 

The El Salvador Junior Grand Prix in March 2021 was her first time competing internationally. There, she was one of 12 USA juniors who were vying for earned quota spots for the Junior Pan American Games, firing later this year in Cali, Colombia. With nine medals overall, the team earned all of the available quotas.

Perrin says her wins at the 2020 Dixie Double Air Gun Match are among some of her favorite accomplishments.

“It was such an incredible experience and one that I will never forget,” she said. “Everything was so surreal – from wearing the National Team Jacket to actually competing there.”

Although she was nervous, all of the training she had done led her to that moment on an international range, and she knew exactly what to do. 

Perrin was the top junior competitor at the 2020 Winter Airgun event.

“When I got on the line, I calmed down a little bit because it’s always the same black dot,” she said. “I am so grateful for that experience though, and I learned a lot about myself as an athlete and some good things to work on.”

“It was such an honor to be able to represent the USA,” she added.

She says one thing to remember when competing outside of the country is to trust yourself. Training enough to create muscle memory and allowing the body and subconscious mind to guide the performance can help calm the nerves. 

“Of course, I would also say that the first time is always the hardest,” she admitted. “While I’ve only had one international experience so far, I know the next one will hopefully be less nerve racking and scary.” 

Perrin uses a Feinwerkbau 800 aluminum air rifle and an Anschutz 54.30 smallbore rifle.

Since the beginning of her career, Perrin has remembered to soak in each moment and relish in her experiences.

The sport piqued her interest when she saw it offered at her local county fair in 2015. She started with 4-H BB gun later that year and stayed with the discipline for two years – dabbling in sporter air rifle before moving on to precision air rifle and smallbore through her local gun club, the Grand Rapids Rifle and Pistol Club.

She has since connected with other junior programs, like the Michigan State University Demmer Center Junior Team and Team Winning Solutions – a training opportunity led by former NCAA athlete and Olympian Lucas Kozeniesky. She’s also a member of the USA Shooting Junior Team. Perrin trains with her Feinwerkbau 800 aluminum air rifle and an Anschutz 54.30 smallbore – readying herself for the several firing lines she finds herself on throughout the year. 

“I try to compete as much as I can,” she said. “I am a pretty firm believer that some of the best lessons you will learn in the sport is by competing and getting in range time.”

In 2019, she was selected to be a National Rifle Association Youth Shooting Sports Ambassador, which opened her eyes to a new perspective on marksmanship.

“I really just want to share with people all the opportunities possible in the sport and all of the disciplines,” she said. “So many people, like me, didn’t know about everything that is possible in shooting sports, and I want to get more people involved.” 

Looking to the future, Perrin hopes to make the Olympic team and to spread marksmanship opportunities to others.

Perrin says she has received helpful advice from many in the shooting community throughout her career. One particular piece of advice that was told her by her Team Winning Solutions coach, Kozeniesky, has stuck with her.

“The basics of what he said is that you can’t focus on the past shot or series, and you can’t focus on what the end score will look like – you can only focus on the present and the shot you have now,” she said. 

She went on, “Someone also told me, when I first started competing, to make training hard. When you push yourself and work hard in training sessions, matches can begin to feel less intimidating and more familiar.” 

Perrin’s next goal is to someday make it to the Olympics. She plans to continue working within the sport after college, specifically with youth involvement and outreach. 

“I enjoy any time I get to compete and see all of my fellow competitors and friends,” she said.

Off of the firing line, Natalie has been a member of the Coopersville Future Farmers of America Chapter, where she has proven herself to be a gifted public speaker. She has competed in various public speaking contests, and in 2020, she won the Michigan State FFA Public Speaking Contest with a speech on ovine GM1 Gangliosidosis – an inherited nerve cell disorder in sheep. She also enjoys spending time with her family and traveling. At WVU, she plans to study advertising and public relations.

Good luck to Natalie as she prepares for West Virginia University and her future!

–By Ashley Brugnone, CMP Staff Writer

Tweet
Share
Pin
Share
0 Shares

One Reply to “Junior Natalie Perrin Takes On The World and West Virginia University in 2021”

  1. Jim says:
    May 4, 2021 at 11:35 am

    What an excellent role model for other junior shooters! Along with her seemingly bubbly personality, this young lady has the wining match credentials to carry her to new heights in the shooting sports. Natalie has made the choice to attend a great university and become a member of the WVU Rifle Team and lend her skills to help win more NCAA National Championships under Coach John Hammond’s tutelage. West Virginia University is the most successful college rifle program in the United States, winning a total of 19 NCAA National Team Championships. They have won 25 individual NCAA championships, produced 65 All-Americans, and 13 Olympians and won numerous GAR Championships. Welcome Natalie and you will find a welcoming, supporting and nurturing environment to further your shooting and academic goals. Best Wishes!

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

  • Auction
  • Competition Tracker
  • E-Store
  • Forum
  • Join Our Email List
  • Live Targets
  • Photos

Civilian Marksmanship Program

Mission – Promote marksmanship through firearms training, safety, competitions and youth programs.
Vision – To lead the nation in marksmanship excellence providing safe, high quality and innovative programs with a focus on youth.

If you need assistance accessing any of our content or would like it in an alternative format you can contact us via our contact form, click here.

  • Calendar
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • YouTube
  • MeWe
  • Search
  • Home
  • About
  • Donate
  • Sponsorship
  • Contact
  • Search
  • Youth
  • Clubs
  • Compete
  • National Matches
  • Education
  • News & Media
  • Safety
  • Sales & Services
  • Ranges
  • Privacy Policy

©2023 Civilian Marksmanship Program. All rights reserved.
Site by West Edge Collective.