LEXINGTON, Ky. – Former Kentucky All-America shooter Amy Sowash has been named the new assistant coach of the UK rifle program, it was announced on Wednesday afternoon by head coach Harry Mullins.
A native of Richmond, Ky., Sowash starred for the Wildcats from 2003-07, earning All-America honors in small bore and air rifle both her junior and senior years. The Collegiate Rifle Coaches Association also selected her All-America her senior year. Sowash led the squad in air rifle her junior year, posting a 585.4 scoring average on the season.
The Wildcats posted impressive team results during Sowash’s career, including posting top-10 finishes at the NCAA Championships in each of her years competing. UK won the Great American Rifle Conference Regular Season Championship in 2004 and 2007, also winning the GARC Tournament in 2004 with a total score of 6,184.
“We are thrilled to welcome Amy back into the program,” Mullins said. “She has always been one of our most decorated athletes and for her to return to Kentucky to begin a coaching career is a special moment for the program. Amy was a hard-working shooter who was dedicated to doing everything the right way and getting the most out of her abilities. She will be the same kind of coach and will be an amazing asset to me and our student athletes. And once again, this is a direct reflection to the commitment (UK athletics director) Mitch Barnhart is making to the program and building a well-rounded athletics department.”
Sowash demonstrated tremendous leadership during her time as a Wildcat, serving as a team captain her senior year at UK. Referring to Sowash, entering her senior year, coach Mullins was quoted as saying, “She provides outstanding leadership as one of our team captains. Her positive attitude, passion and work ethic will be greatly missed when she graduates. Amy is extremely focused on helping take our program to the very top.”
A former member of the National Rifle Team, Sowash boasts an impressive resume from international competition. At the 2011 World Cup in Sydney, Sowash earned a Silver Medal in the 50m Rifle Three Position. From 2007-2010, she won five medals at the National Championships, including gold in 2010 in Three Position and 2008 in Air Rifle. Silver Medals came in Air Rifle in 2009 and Three Position in 2008 with a bronze in 2007 in Three Position.
“I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to come back to the University of Kentucky and begin my coaching career at my alma mater,” said Sowash.”It’s an honor that coach Mullins found me the best fit for the job. I feel like my experience in international competition can bring a lot to the program. I’m excited to get this new stage of my career underway and look forward to helping the UK Rifle program bring more championships to Lexington.”
Sowash served as a junior rifle coach for the National Training Center Junior Club, helping to develop high school age athletes, many that went on to compete in Junior Olympic Competition and become collegiate student-athletes.
A 2006 graduate of the University of Kentucky with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, Sowash contributed to the University of Kentucky Rifle Team Blog from 2005-07. She was also a recipient of the “Scratch” Award at the 2005 CATSPYs. Following graduation, she moved to Colorado Springs, Colo., to train at the Olympic Training Center.
