Three Georgia Trapshooters Claim Prestigious Spots on 2026 ATA All-American Teams

September 15, 2025 – Atlanta, GA

In a testament to Georgia's rising prowess in the clay-target sports, three talented shooters from the Peach State have been selected to the 2026 All-American Teams by the Amateur Trapshooting Association (ATA). The honors, announced earlier this year and based on exceptional performances throughout the 2025 shooting season, highlight the dedication and skill of Ethan Ledford, Rory Lee, and John N. Davis. These selections not only celebrate individual achievements but also underscore the strength of Georgia's trapshooting community.

The ATA All-American Teams recognize the top performers across various categories, determined by a points system that rewards consistency in registered targets shot during the season. For 2026, selections were drawn from over 13,000 competitors nationwide, making these spots a rare and coveted accolade.

The first of the trio is Rory Lee, a rising star from Georgia who secured a First Team spot in the Junior category with an impressive 2,220 points.  A member of the Class of 2026 and part of Team Remington, Lee has been turning heads with his precision under pressure. Earlier this year, he represented Georgia at the Keystone State Shoot, showcasing the kind of handicap shooting that propelled him to this elite level. "Rory's selection is a well-deserved recognition of his hard work and natural talent," said a representative from the Georgia Trapshooting Association. At just 17, Lee's future in the sport looks as bright as the targets he shatters.

The second shooter of this trio is Ethan Ledford of McDonough, who earned Second Team honors in the Junior Gold category with 1,202 points. A Life Member of the ATA and a four-time All-American prior to this selection, Ledford made headlines in May by etching his name into Georgia trapshooting history at the State Trap Shoot. His induction into the Georgia Trapshooting Hall of Fame earlier this summer – as the youngest ever – capped a banner year that included a clean sweep of the 5 major Georgia State Trapshoot titles (Singles, Doubles, Handicap, HAA, HOA).  Shooting for Truett McConnell University, the 21-year-old embodies the grit and grace of the sport. "Ethan's journey from local ranges to national recognition inspires every young shooter in our state," noted a fellow competitor at South River Gun Club, where celebrations for his Hall of Fame nod drew a crowd.

Rounding out the group is veteran marksman John Davis, who claimed Second Team in the Veteran category with 939 points.  A staple of Georgia's competitive scene, Davis has racked up multiple state championships, including the 2024 and 2021 Georgia State Singles title, and consistently anchors the Georgia All-State Team with averages north of 91%.  Not only a skilled shooter, Davis turns heads with his 109-year-old Parker shotgun, a timeless piece that adds a touch of history to every event he attends. This past year, he traveled to various state shoots and made a strong showing at the Grand American, reaching a singles shootoff and finishing just outside the trophy list, further cementing his reputation as a formidable competitor.

As the 2026 season kicks off with events like the first ATA registered tournament in the new year, all eyes will be on Ledford, Lee, and Davis to defend their honors. For aspiring shooters, their stories serve as a call to action: Grab a shotgun, hit the range, and who knows? The next All-American could be you.

The Georgia Trapshooting Association invites newcomers to "Give it a Shot" at one of its member clubs – because in trapshooting, every pull of the trigger is a chance at greatness.