.png&width=32&height=32&type=webp)
The University of Mississippi Athletics
Locker Room Chat with Rifle Newcomers
10/3/2017 | Rifle
Oct. 3, 2017
OXFORD, Miss. -- Ole Miss Rifle is proud to announce and welcome seven newcomers to the 2017-18 roster. Learn more about two of the newcomers in our latest locker room chat.
Meet freshman Kamilla Kisch
Freshman Kamilla Kisch joins the Rebels from Maple Grove, Minnesota and Osseo Senior High School. She was a five-year member of the Minnesota Centershots Junior Precision Rifle Team and a 2016 State Champion in the Minnesota State Airgun Open with more than five titles to her claim.
As a freshman on the Rifle team, alongside Emily Cock, Kisch helped the Rebels defeat North Carolina State in their season-opener, the NCAA Test Match hosted by the Citadel on Sept. 24, with a 582 in air rifle.
"​It was so exciting to be a part of, and I'm really looking forward to seeing what we can achieve next!" Kisch said. "​I know that everyone will continue to work hard, and that success will follow. ​One of the most important things I'm learning from Coach Beasley and JP is the concept of a team-first mentality. This is our guiding principle on the team this season, and it means that every decision the individual makes should be made with the best interests of the team in mind. It's about knowing what's best for the team so we can be successful."
Kisch was introduced to Rifle at a young age from her dad.
"​Rifle was the first sport I was ever really good at," Kisch said. "My dad introduced me to the sport, as he competed in rifle in college. At first, I was only doing it to spend more time with him, but then it became such an important part of my life. I almost can't remember what my life was like before it."
Why Ole Miss?
"​I loved the campus and the spirit," Kisch said. "I was impressed by the academics, and I felt at home in the team environment and the dedicated atmosphere Coach Marsha has established for the team.
Introducing freshman Megan Taylor
Freshman Megan Taylor of Coleman High School, in Coleman, Texas, joins the Rebels as a four-time Junior Olympic Qualifier and a former member of the 2016 first place CMP Texas Team and CMP Western Region Team.
Taylor was also young when she first picked up the sport of rifle, but it wasn't until later in life that she decided to continue shooting in college.
"I was introduced to shooting sports when I was around seven years old," Taylor said. "My older brother and I started shooting more and more together which really sparked my interest in competing at the collegiate level."
Why Ole Miss?
"When I visited Ole Miss I knew immediately that this was where I needed to be and it was my new home," Taylor said. "I really liked all of the support that the FedEx center provided and I knew that Coach Beasley would do her best to get me where I needed to be if I put in the effort. The University as a whole regarding the people, environment, and positive atmosphere really influenced me to select Ole Miss."
During high school, Taylor shot on her own and traveled to different matches and competed individually.
"I coached myself by reading through different books and listening to as many people as I could," she said. "College shooting is so much different to me. I have two different coaches and a team. I really have enjoyed getting to shoot and receive feedback right away. The team is my family. We help each other, spend time together, and really get along with one another. Being part of the team has really helped me adjust in my shooting as well as my academics."
Taylor said at first it was hard to adjust to college and all the demands, but that the team and academic counselor Drew Clinton helped her get into the flow of things.
"My classes are off to a great start and I am looking forward to keeping up the good momentum. Coming onto the team I knew that I would have to put in extra time and really push myself if I wanted to be competitive. The coaches have pushed me into trying so many new things that I can see already shaping me into a new athlete. I have different approaches and a new mindset that will benefit me as well as others on the team. I am really looking forward to trying new things and seeing results in the future."
For more information on Ole Miss Rifle, follow the Rebels on Twitter at @OleMissRifle, on Facebook at OleMissRifle and on Instagram @OleMissRifle.
