Asuncion, Paraguay, August 19, 2025
News Summary
Braden Peiser, a talented rifle shooting athlete from the University of Kentucky, has made a remarkable impact at the Junior Pan-America Games, securing two gold medals. He excelled in both the men’s 10m air rifle event, where he set a new Junior Pan-Am Games record, and in the mixed team air rifle event while partnering with another American athlete. Peiser’s achievements highlight his promising future in competitive rifle shooting.
Asuncion, Paraguay – Braden Peiser, a rifle shooting athlete from the University of Kentucky, has made headlines by bringing home two gold medals from the 2025 Junior Pan-America Games. The prestigious event, which took place in Asuncion, showcased young talent from across the continent, and Peiser shined as a standout competitor representing Team USA.
During the opening ceremonies, Peiser was honored with the distinction of being the male flag bearer for Team USA. His impressive performance at the games included winning a gold medal in the men’s 10m air rifle event, where he not only clinched victory but also set a new Junior Pan-Am Games record in both the qualification round and the final. His second gold medal was earned through triumph in the mixed team air rifle event, partnering with fellow American athlete Isabella Baldwin. They both qualified first overall, edging out Team Mexico, and decisively won the gold medal match with a score of 17-7.
Peiser’s achievements at these games are a continuation of a stellar rise in his rifle shooting career. In the previous season, he garnered unanimous Collegiate Rifle Coaches Association All-America honors in three categories: air rifle, smallbore, and aggregate. He led the Kentucky rifle team with the best performance in smallbore average and aggregate average scores and ranked second on the team in terms of air rifle average.
Hailing from San Angelo, Texas, Peiser was crucial in Kentucky’s national runner-up finish at the 2025 NCAA Rifle National Championships. He recorded a score of 599 in the air rifle competition, enabling him to qualify for the individual air rifle final, where he finished second after an intense one-shot shoot-off. The Kentucky rifle team concluded the championship with a combined score of 4737, narrowly falling short of victory to West Virginia, the reigning champions, by just one point.
The 2025 NCAA Rifle Championships marked the second occasion the University of Kentucky played host to this prestigious event. In its history, the program has celebrated four national titles, achieved in 2011, 2018, 2021, and 2022, as well as 24 top-five finishes. Despite not securing the title this year, Kentucky’s exceptional performances demonstrated their strength and resilience under the leadership of head coach Harry Mullins, who is embarking on his 37th year coaching the rifle program.
Braden Peiser’s dual victories at the Junior Pan-America Games signal not only personal success but also a bright future for collegiate rifle shooting in Kentucky. As he continues to develop his skills and compete at high levels, the University of Kentucky’s rifle team remains a significant player in the landscape of collegiate athletics.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Braden Peiser?
Braden Peiser is a rifle shooting athlete from the University of Kentucky, known for his impressive performances on both national and international levels. He recently earned two gold medals at the 2025 Junior Pan-America Games.
What medals did Peiser win at the Junior Pan-America Games?
He won gold medals in the men’s 10m air rifle event and the mixed team air rifle event alongside Isabella Baldwin.
What records did Peiser set during the games?
He set a Junior Pan-Am Games record in the qualification round and the final of the men’s 10m air rifle event.
How did the Kentucky rifle team perform in the 2025 NCAA Championships?
The team finished as the national runner-up, with a score of 4737, just one point behind the champions, West Virginia.
What honors has Peiser received in his collegiate career?
He earned unanimous Collegiate Rifle Coaches Association All-America honors in air rifle, smallbore, and aggregate categories during the previous season.
Key Achievements of Braden Peiser
| Event | Achievement |
|---|---|
| Junior Pan-America Games 2025 | Two Gold Medals in Men’s 10m Air Rifle and Mixed Team Air Rifle |
| NCAA Championships 2025 | Runner-Up Finish; Recorded Score: 599 in Air Rifle Competition |
| Collegiate Honors | Unanimous All-America Honors in Air Rifle, Smallbore, Aggregate |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Lexington Honors Wildcats at 2025 CATSPY Awards
Additional Resources
- UK Athletics: Braden Peiser Earns Two Golds at Junior Pan-Am Games
- Wikipedia: Braden Peiser
- LEX18: University of Kentucky Rifle Team Breaking School Records
- Google Search: Braden Peiser
- UK Athletics: Rifle Scores 4721, Defeats Morehead State in Season Opener
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Rifle Shooting
- UK Athletics: Ceccarello, Peiser Break Records as No. 1 Rifle Wins Tri Match
- Google News: University of Kentucky Rifle Team
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