By Brittany Nelson, USAS Public Relations & Communications Manager

HILLSDALE, MI (July 1, 2025) – Following two exciting finals, Madalynn Schroder and Grant Hernandez topped the podium at the 2025 USA Shooting Skeet Junior Olympic Championships, held June 29 in Hillsdale, Michigan.

Junior athletes from across the country came to shoot at the annual competition, hosted by Hillsdale College at the John A. Halter Shooting Sports Center. After 125 qualification targets, both men’s and women’s finals were held.

Schroder, of Pella, Iowa, topped the podium by outshooting Madison Smith, who claimed silver, and Kaitlyn Scanlon, who claimed bronze.

“The final was amazing,” said Schroder. “I am really surprised, happy, and proud of myself that I pulled it through all the way until the end.”

Schroder has been shooting international skeet for three years and is coached by Olympian Phillip Jungman. Prior to taking up the international discipline, Schroder started out with the Scholastic Clay Target Program (SCTP) in the fifth grade. Schroder’s talent is evident, having made the SCTP International Team the past two years and now aiming for a spot on the 2025 team at next month’s SCTP Nationals.

Hernandez, of Eaton, Colorado, qualified for the men’s final by shooting a qualification score of 113 out of 125. He earned his championship title by outshooting Westley Kiter, who finished second, and Dustin Wood, who finished third.

Hernandez’s victory is especially meaningful as his performance at the 2024 Junior Olympic Championships was not what he had hoped for. He mentioned that he had a tough match last year but was able to use it as a learning opportunity.

“I think it just shows that anything can happen,” said Hernandez when asked about his 2025 victory. “I have put in a lot of hard work since then, but it means a lot.”

Hernandez shoots at the Pawnee Sportsmens Center in Colorado and is also coached by Jungman. Jungman coaches a handful of junior skeet athletes including Hernandez, Schroder, Wood,  and Aidan Tucker, all of whom made finals appearances and medaled in either the open or U18 category.

“I absolutely love coaching this group of juniors,” said Jungman, a Tokyo 2020 Olympian. “They could have chosen anyone in the world to be their coach. I’m deeply honored to be that person. These kids have worked hard and spent many hours on the range to make this happen. This is only the beginning of their success story. I’m happy to be able to share my experience with them and help them accomplish their dreams.”

Tucker and Hunter Engholm both shot their first perfect score in a round with 25 hits on 25 targets. This marked the first time the duo shot a perfect round score at a competition, an important accomplishment in a shooter’s career.

The Junior Olympic Championships also served as a selection match for the Junior Olympic (JO) Squad. The skeet squad was selected based on the top finishers from the finals who are not already on the USA Shooting Junior National Team. Hernandez, Wood, and Schroder all earned a spot on the JO squad. The JO squad will receive a custom Shoot the Moon vest, ammunition, and a free entry to the next USA Shooting selection match.

Medals were also awarded in U18 and U15 categories. See all results from the 2025 competition here. See photos from the competition here.

USA Shooting thanks Hillsdale College for hosting the competition and for their continued support of the shooting sports pipeline nationwide. AXIL generously contributed podium prizes to recognize and reward outstanding athlete performances.

USA Shooting extends a special thanks to our sponsors and partners including The NRA Foundation, Hillsdale College, The International Order of T. Roosevelt, The Hal & Jean Glassen Foundation, Safari Club International, MidwayUSA Foundation, Shoot the Moon, and Axil.