From Staff Reports
Joni Lucas has wrapped up an impressive collegiate shooting career with the Southern Clay Target Team at Georgia Southern University.
The daughter of Brian and Tina Lucas and sister to Brayden Lucas, Joni competed in the ACUI Collegiate Clay Target Championship in San Antonio, Texas, during the week of March 16.
She joined the Southern Clay Target Team in 2023 at the start of her junior year after earning her associate’s degree from Georgia Military College. In just two seasons, she helped lead the team to two National Championships in Division II CAA.
In her final season, the team advanced to Division I HOA, competing in six disciplines against 107 teams—many with more than 60 shooters.
During championship week, Joni competed in Double Trap, Super Sporting, Sporting, Skeet, Double Skeet, and Trap—her favorite event. She finished strong in Trap, opening and closing with perfect rounds of 25/25 and posting an overall score of 96/100.
Head Coach Marty Fischer said Joni made a lasting impact.
“Joni was the ultimate team player,” Fischer said. “She worked hard, put the team first, and had a calming effect on those around her—all while maintaining a high academic standard.”
Trap coach Jeff Reed added, “Her attitude, work ethic, and desire to improve were exemplary. She was always willing to step up and help the team.”
Teammate Mason Maine echoed that sentiment in a team social media post, calling Joni “one of the brightest parts of our team” and praising her accomplishments.
Joni’s love for the sport began in the 7th grade with the Bleckley County Shotgun Team under Coach Todd Kirkpatrick. After initially attending events to support her brother, she gave it a try herself.
She hit just 6 out of 25 targets at her first practice—but by the end of the season, she earned Most Improved Shooter, sparking a passion that would carry her through high school and into college.
Joni earned her bachelor’s degree in Middle Grades Education in May 2025 and is working toward her master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction, expected in December 2026.
She has accepted a position as a 7th-grade math teacher at Bonaire Middle School in Houston County.
While her collegiate career has come to an end, Joni plans to stay involved in shooting by supporting her teammates and competing in individual events.
-Photos from Lucas Family
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