Trap Talk From The Back Fence
Episode 161: "Jacque Snellenberger on Mindset, Longevity & Loving the Sport"
Date: February 6, 2026
Host(s): Zach Nannini & Richard Marshall Jr.
Guest: Jacque “Jackie” Snellenberger
Episode Overview
This episode dives deep into the career, mindset, and legacy of Jacque (Jackie) Snellenberger—one of trapshooting’s most accomplished female shooters. Hosts Zach and Ricky explore Jackie's beginnings, her family's legendary trapshooting background, strategies for success, longevity in the sport, managing high expectations, and how to balance a competitive shooting career with life as a full-time schoolteacher. The discussion is frank, educational, and full of humor, offering practical advice for shooters of all levels, regardless of gender.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Jackie’s Background and Achievements
[00:59–07:10]
- Jackie’s origins: Started trapshooting in 1985; doubles began in 1991 due to family budget constraints.
- Achievement streaks:
- 34+ years on the All American Team
- 30+ years on the Michigan State Team
- Around 20 200-straight singles; two 200-straight in doubles at the Grand
- Major championship wins (Vandalia Handicap 2001, Northeast Grand 1997, Michigan Handicap Championship 2002)
- Inducted into the Michigan Hall of Fame (2006) and the Trapshooting Hall of Fame (2015)
- Registered targets: Over 429,000—despite only shooting in the summer due to a 35-year teaching career.
“She could possibly get that [Grand Slam] done this year because all her major wins are handicap wins.” — Rick [02:36]
2. Growing Up in a Trapshooting Family
[08:22–13:10]
- Both parents were elite trapshooters; met at a competition and married in the same week.
- Unique pressures and challenges of being taught by Hall of Fame parents.
- Navigating expectations: Gender differences, literal coaching styles, the complexity of learning from family.
- Jackie’s struggles as a one-eyed shooter and how gender shaped her experience in a male-dominated sport.
“Your mom and dad are telling you this is what you need to do…on top of the homework, on top of cleaning up your room. It adds another layer.” — Jackie [09:09]
3. Mindset and Information Overload in Shooting
[13:22–17:29]
- The risk of overthinking: Too much information can clog mental bandwidth, similar to having “30 tabs open.”
- Difference in cognitive approaches between male and female shooters; Jackie’s process of learning how to focus.
- The value of minimal, repeatable routines: Only focus when mounting the gun, not throughout the entire process.
“By the time you lift your gun as you’re bringing it up, that’s when you need to be prepared…Everything else is out.” — Rick [17:12]
4. Balancing Teaching & Trapshooting
[17:39–20:06, 22:43–25:59]
- Teaching career limited Jackie’s shooting window to a compressed summer period (“eight weeks to make seven shoots”).
- The toll of condensed competition on mind and body: Fatigue, injuries, life logistics.
- No secret sauce to perfect scheduling—she had to make her limited time count.
“People forget how after the second week, you’re still having a blast, but the third week starts to drag...the fourth, fifth week, etc.” — Jackie [22:50]
5. Expectations, Sacrifice & Dealing with Pressure
[25:59–33:45]
- How public and community expectations affect performance and personal satisfaction.
- Jackie’s philosophy: Set realistic, self-driven goals and learn not to take criticism personally.
- The impact of sacrificing family events, free time, and even financial stability for competitive goals.
“The people that really like you will give you credit for more than you’ve ever achieved. People that don’t like you will never give you credit for what you actually did do.” — Jackie [32:24]
6. Maintaining Passion, Recharge & Non-shooting Outlets
[33:45–36:04]
- Jackie’s use of dancing as an emotional and competitive release in the offseason.
- The importance of finding a personal hobby outside the main competitive pursuit.
7. Dealing with Adversity: Health & Eyesight
[38:27–44:10]
- Long-term issues with eye health due to autoimmune disease and prednisone use (developed cataracts, underwent a vitrectomy for floaters).
- Adjusted gun fit and shooting style to accommodate changing eyesight.
- Openness about setbacks and risk management (e.g., “oil change” eye surgeries).
“If it affects my daily life, that has been my rule…And my floaters did get that bad the first time.” — Jackie [44:10]
8. Technical Discussion: Gun Fit, Style & Evolving Equipment
[46:18–51:10, 54:29–57:22]
- Preferences for gun fit (impact point, stock fit), adjusting for aging and injuries.
- Started with a custom-modified Remington 1100; now shoots a DT11 combo set
- The importance of adapting along the way—eyes, body, and preferences change over decades.
- Both hosts and Jackie agree: Gun fit is a top factor in long-term success.
“Not only do they not know what they want, they also…want to stay tied to it even though other things have changed. No, you have to figure out if something has changed or…you’re putting it one quarter inch over…You can’t stay locked in that fixed mindset…” — Jackie [55:39]
9. Advice for New and Aspiring Shooters
[57:38–64:43]
- Define your goals: Understand how much time, money, and effort you are willing to invest.
- Avoid judging progress against others; maintain realistic expectations based on your own circumstances.
- The necessity of enjoying the process: “If you can't have fun, don't do it.”
“You have to figure out what you’re willing to put in…And then the setting goals part, because again, what is your goal with what you have? What do you want?” — Jackie [58:09]
10. Advice for Women in Trapshooting (and Coaches)
[62:55–66:46]
- Recognizing different intentions: Some women are there for social or family reasons, and that’s fine.
- For beginners, focus on the basics and finding fun before worrying about competition.
- Jackie’s teaching approach: Coaches should learn first, since most new shooters are taught by hunters, not specialized instructors.
- One-on-one teaching is often more effective than clinics; willingness to change and listen is critical for improvement.
“If you seek out information, you actually have to do the thing.” — Jackie [66:46]
11. Closing Reflections and Gratitude
[68:57–71:32]
- Zach and Ricky express appreciation for Jackie’s candor, humor, and insight.
- Jackie thanks past sponsors and mentors, especially the Beretta team and friends who supported her through the years.
- Plans for possible future interviews, including one focused on her legendary father, George Snellenberger.
“Jackie’s the only one that’s ever left me speechless on the show.” — Zach [70:50]
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
On shooting as a family legacy:
“Mom and dad were both trap shooters. They met on June 24, 1967 at the Maryland State Shoot and they married six days later at the Canadian championships.” — Jackie [08:22]
On balancing condensed shooting seasons:
“I have eight weeks to make seven shoots...Don’t forget how tired you’d get.” — Jackie [22:50]
On gender and mindset in shooting:
“What goes on in my head are the 30 tabs open at all times...the only thing you need to focus on is when you start to mount that gun. That’s your routine.” — Jackie [15:02–15:52]
Advice on fulfillment:
“If you can’t have fun, don’t do it.” — Jackie [63:34]
Timestamps for Key Segments
- Jackie’s Intro & Career Highlights: 00:59–07:10
- Family Origins in Trapshooting: 08:22–13:10
- Info Overload & Mindset: 13:22–17:29
- Schoolteacher Life & Shooting Schedule: 17:39–20:06, 22:43–25:59
- Managing Pressure & Expectation: 25:59–33:45
- Mental & Emotional Recharge: 33:45–36:04
- Health Adversity & Eye Issues: 38:27–44:10
- Technical Gunfit Discussion: 46:18–51:10, 54:29–57:22
- Advice for Shooters: 57:38–64:43
- Closing, Thanks, and Future Plans: 68:57–71:32
Final Thoughts
This episode is a masterclass in shooting longevity, personal growth, and finding joy in the process. Jackie Snellenberger’s journey illustrates how women have shaped—and been shaped by—trapshooting culture, and her hard-won wisdom offers actionable takeaways for every shooter.
Episode Rating: Essential listening for competitive shooters, coaches, and anyone seeking inspiration in balancing sport and life.