Trap Talk From The Back Fence

Episode 159: "Arizona’s Rising Star: The Trap Shooting Journey of Alexis Fernan"

Date: January 16, 2026
Hosts: Zach Nannini & Richard ("Ricky") Marshall Jr.
Guest: Alexis Fernan

Episode Overview

This episode spotlights Alexis Fernan, a standout trap shooter from Arizona. Hosts Zach and Ricky delve into Alexis’s journey in the sport—from her humble beginnings in 4H, through the intricacies of top-tier competition, to her evolution as a writer and industry ambassador. Alexis shares insights about shooting as a young woman in a male-dominated field, the importance of gun fit and mental toughness, and her goals for the future. Listeners will find advice for aspiring shooters and a behind-the-scenes look at the challenges and triumphs of a rising star.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Alexis Fernan’s Trapshooting Background

• Native of Casa Grande, Arizona; started shooting at age 8 through 4H, initially with rifle and pistol, then transitioned to shotguns and skeet ([04:02]).
• Progressed from casual shooting at a local cotton farm to organized events like SCTP, ATA, CYSSA, and Junior Olympics.
• Five-time Arizona All-State team member (2x sub-junior, 3x junior, all as captain); two-time Junior All American; 2023 Arizona State Handicap Champion—scored a 98 ([01:26]).
• Notable for breaking 100 straight in registered skeet.

2. Competition Mindset & Motivation

• Alexis thrives on competition and proving herself, particularly to those who doubt her abilities ([05:58]):
  "I just wanted to prove that point to myself and anyone who believed in me or didn't believe in me that if they can do it, I can do it just as good."
• Attributes her drive and resilience to both internal competitiveness and family support.

3. Transition Between Divisions & Notable Wins

• Switching to "Lady 1" category after aging out of the junior division; chose this as the timing and competitive landscape felt right ([43:30]).
• Regularly competes (and often places) alongside/better than top male shooters; beat peer Weston at the Cardinal Classic ([07:05]).

4. Club Affiliations and Arizona Trap Scene

• Originally practiced at Casa Grande Gun Club, but after the passing of the owner’s husband, the club scaled down; now primarily shoots at Tucson and Ben Avery (Phoenix) ([09:21]).
• Mention of the legendary $60K+ 100-straight handicap purse at Casa Grande—unclaimed and a major local draw ([10:14]).

5. Role as a Writer & Industry Engagement

• Writes feature articles and takes photos for Trap Shooting USA; started after being approached by Sean Holley at the Cardinal Classic ([13:20], [13:44]).
• Enthusiastic about combining her passion for writing with her love of the sport:

  "I also take the pictures. And Sean provided me a wonderful camera, thankfully, and I've loved it. I love writing." ([14:14])

6. Work-Life Balance & Ambition

• Works three jobs to support her shooting career:
  1. Writing for Trap Shooting USA
  2. Sales at an armory in Chandler, AZ
  3. (Soon-to-be) Shooting Sports Ambassador for Iron City Polaris ([18:47])
• Aspires to attend community college for business and potentially build an entrepreneurial path related to shooting/travel ([17:22]).

7. Equipment Evolution & Gun Fit

• Began with a Remington 1100 and makeshift gear; transitioned through a Siren ELO Sporter, then a Caesar Guerini Tempio, and now shoots a Kohler combo ([20:35], [23:09]).
• Switched guns due to technical issues and injury (double fire caused dental injury), found increased comfort and performance with the Kohler ([23:36]).

  "Since I've read books of like Mind vs Target ... it builds the confidence of, okay, you know, you can do it, don't overthink it. Just go out, see it, shoot it. Caveman pretty much." ([29:15])

• Importance of gun fit for women:

  "Gun fit is truly crucial, especially in females. Our bodies are constantly changing, especially all the weight you lose first is in your face. ... With the Kohler, it makes it a lot easier to keep the gun fit snug and whatnot. But honestly, another thing is like mental game. Switching to the Kohler, I've gained a lot more confidence in myself..." ([26:07])

8. Coaching & Learning from Others

• Mentored by her father, with additional coaching from Phil Kiner and Sean Holley; values gathering advice, but filters and adapts it ([27:21], [32:25]).
  • On Phil and Sean’s biggest lesson:
    "If you can't see the target, don't go for it. You can't shoot a target you can't see. ... Stay home until you really see that bird where it's going. Track it, go for it." ([32:25])
• Took lessons on eye dominance—discovered temporarily shifting dominance due to setup ([34:00]).
• Views each club visit as a learning experience, sifting constructive advice from excess noise ([28:21]).

9. Technique, Choke Selection, & Mental Approach

• Hold points: varies for singles and handicap; lowers for handicap to avoid rushing, similar holds for singles/doubles ([38:07]).
• Choke choices:
  • Singles: varies between modified/light modified depending on wind; admits her approach may be unconventional ([41:36]).
  • Handicap: full choke.
  • Doubles: IC (bottom), modified (top).
• Mental slogan: "See target, shoot target." Stresses not overcomplicating things and relying on trained reactions ([29:15], [50:13]).

10. Advice for Young Shooters—Especially Women

• Focus on gun fit and self-confidence.

  "Always checking gun fit, always making sure, just because you don't want to be getting hurt, like cutting open your shoulder, cutting open your face or whatever. ... Having a crucial mental game of caveman. See target, shoot target..." ([50:13])

• Recognizes the male-dominated nature of the sport, but pushes for all competitors to "go for champion, not just category" ([56:15]).

11. Family and Sponsorship Appreciation

• Deep gratitude for her family’s sacrifices—especially her father's work as a border patrol supervisor and her mother’s constant support ([59:10]).
• Thanks sponsors: Iron City Polaris, Chandler Armory, Combat Clays, Ryan Castani, 80 Below Sporting Oil, Chambliss Game Totes, and Trap Shooting USA.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Rising as a Woman in Trapshooting:

  "There's more and more people are gonna have to wear these damn pins on their hat because I don't know anybody that hasn't been beat by a girl in this sport at this point..." – Zach ([07:16])

• On Mental Game and Growth:

  "Some of the best advice that I've gotten in my shooting career didn't necessarily come from a world champion shooter. It was just the right place, the right time and a thought..." – Zach ([28:35])

• Advice from Phil Kiner:

  "If you can't see the target, don't go for it. ... Stay home until you really see that bird where it's going. Track it, go for it." – Alexis ([32:25])

• On Overcoming Setbacks:

  "First week of Tucson, I completely tore open my collarbone ... and I had some of the best help from ... my dad, they all helped me out... that's when my score started the incline..." – Alexis ([50:13])

Segment Timestamps

• [01:26] – Ricky introduces Alexis and lists her achievements
• [04:02] – Alexis describes her entry into trapshooting
• [07:05] – Discussing competition, beating peers
• [09:21] – Shooting clubs and Arizona’s trap scene
• [13:20] – Start of Alexis's writing career with Trap Shooting USA
• [18:47] – Alexis's multiple jobs and plans for college/business
• [20:35] – Evolution of Alexis’s equipment and gun fit
• [23:36] – Picking up the Kohler and resulting performance jump
• [27:21] – Coaching, mentorship, and learning process
• [29:15] – Building the mental game; influence of books
• [32:25] – Key coaching lessons from Phil Kiner and Sean Holley
• [38:07] – Hold points and technical setup debate
• [41:36] – Choke selection breakdown
• [43:30] – Decision to compete in Lady 1 category
• [50:13] – Gun fit and advice for women in the sport
• [56:15] – On pushing to compete for champion, not just category
• [59:10] – Family and sponsors acknowledged

Final Thoughts

Alexis Fernan’s journey is marked by resilience, fierce competitiveness, and a willingness to give back to the community—both as a competitor and as a writer. Her story is both an inspiration and a practical resource for up-and-coming shooters (especially women and youth), blending hard-earned advice with candid reflections on setbacks, perseverance, and the vital role of support networks.

For more insights or to follow Alexis’s journey, check out future Trap Shooting USA issues and keep an eye on the major western trapshooting events.

Hosts:
Zach Nannini & Richard Marshall Jr.
Guest: Alexis Fernan
Podcast: [Trap Talk From The Back Fence, E159 – "Arizona’s Rising Star: The Trap Shooting Journey of Alexis Fernan"]