Fan Friday: Sisters Justine and Jalise Williams Join Team Springfield

by
posted on March 11, 2016
springfield-jalise-justine-lead.jpg

When you think of the term "sponsored competitive shooter," the image you may get is of a rugged old workhorse who's forgotten more about shooting techniques than the rest of us will ever learn. However, if you've been keeping up with NRA Family's reporting, that mental image may already be changing as you meet shooters like Julie Golob, Jessie Duff, Tori Nonaka, Katie Harris, Molly Smith, Janae Sarabia and others. Now Team Springfield is joining the club of stereotype shatterers by adding preteen sisters Justine and Jalise Williams to their lineup of factory shooters.

Jalise, who's 12 years old, is an honors student in language and math. Says Jalise (who pronounces her name jay-leese), "I am totally committed to the shooting sports, and I plan to make history. Maybe not today, maybe not tomorrow, but I will one day." 

Her younger sister Justine, who is 11, eschews video games in favor of reading books...and, of course, shooting. Enthuses Justine, "Shooting is epic. It is the best thing that ever happened to me!"



The girls' parents concur. Say the Williamses, "People often ask how we get them to do it, but this is what they chose. As parents, we could have influenced them to choose another sport or not supported this choice, but they have always loved to shoot." 

The young competitors' first competition as part of the Springfield team was the United States Practical Shooting Association (USPSA) Area 2 Championships in Mesa, Arizona, last week. They compete with Springfield XD(M) 5.25-inch 9mm pistols, a fact that drew the attention of long-time Team Springfield professional shooter Rob Leatham. "While both are very talented, that is not unique," says Leatham. "There is no shortage of shooting talent out there. What really caught my attention was how they conducted themselves at the range. The combination of such high levels of character, devotion, personality and talent is very rare today."

Congratulations, Justine and Jalise! We look forward to hearing more about your successes.
 

Latest

Sinkbox
Sinkbox

Throwback Thursday: "Sinkbox" Waterfowling

If you’re a modern-day waterfowler reading this NRA Family story hoping to learn a new hunting technique that will help you increase your bag of ducks and geese, we're afraid you’re a bit late.

NRA Family Entertainment: Dashing through the Elk in Utah

Oh what fun it is to ride where the herds of wild elk play ...

First Impressions: Go Med Kits' First Aid & Care Essentials for Hunters

First aid in the field is just a little different for hunters ... don't be caught out without a hunting-specific first aid kit!

Video Review: Ruger American Gen II Standard Bolt-Action Rifle

It doesn't just look cool, it is cool. Here are the rest of the reasons it's our NRA Gun of the Week!

Attention, NRA Clubs: Check Out Our New Club Leadership & Development Online Course

NRA Clubs & Associations is pleased to offer this up-to-date online learning opportunity for current and upcoming club leadership.

New Calibers & Camo, Who's This? Savage Model 334!

It's the same Savage 334 you know and love, but with more calibers and camouflage options!

Interests



Get the best of NRA Family delivered to your inbox.