Clark Adds Three to 2027-28 Class

Head Coach Richard Clark announced that three athletes have signed to compete for the Nebraska rifle team in 2027-28: Lilli Blackman (Fort Wayne, Ind.), Kinzey Williams (Everett, Penn.) and Naya Talarico (Bozeman, Mont.). 

“This recruiting class, I think, is going to be something really special,” Clark said. “All three of our signees have an incredible work ethic and a drive to compete amongst the best of the best and have shown incredible success in the junior ranks. We are excited to see them step into the Scarlet and Cream and continue their amazing work!”

Lilli Blackman
Blackman attends R. Nelson Snider High School, where she led her team to a state championship in 2023. She also placed first in the air rifle at the U18 2026 Junior Olympics. During the Junior Olympic State Qualifiers, she took the gold in both the air rifle and smallbore. In her junior season, she also took the top spot at the 2025 State Conference championships in the smallbore. 

The daughter of Jeremy and Emily Blackman, Lilli plans to major in nutrition and health sciences. 

Blackman on Nebraska: “I chose Nebraska because the whole recruiting experience checked my boxes perfectly. During multiple conversations and an official visit, I developed a good relationship with the coaches and team. Feeling comfortable and at home on campus was an unexplainable experience. I truly couldn’t picture myself anywhere but at UNL for my college career.”

Clark on Blackman: “We are very excited to be adding Lilli to the roster. Over the past couple of years, she has proven herself to be a fierce competitor, securing a number of U18 National podiums; her experience and competitive edge will be a great asset to the team.”

Kinzey Williams
Williams attends Everett Area High School, where she was a Pennsylvania team state champion in her first three years. Individually, she received second place in the State Prone Championship. At the Pennsylvania Junior Olympic State Qualifier, Williams placed first in the air rifle and smallbore. She also took silver in the air rifle at the 2025 U18 Junior Olympics. At the Penn Junior Olympic State Qualifier in 2024 and 2026, Williams placed first in the smallbore and air rifle as well.

The daughter of Wade & Misty Williams, Kinzey plans to major in nutrition and health sciences. 

Williams on Nebraska: "I chose Nebraska because it seems like such a great atmosphere; the coaches and academic advisors seem very supportive and want to see everyone succeed, and it is unlike anything I have experienced before.

Clark on Williams: “Kinzey is going to be a great addition to the team next season. Over the last year, she has really begun to find her stride at national events and has demonstrated really great fundamentals we look to continue building off of while she is here at Nebraska.”

Naya Talarico
Talarico attends Gallatin High School and competes with the Gallatin Valley Sharpshooters, where she trains under Head Coach Lee Nelson. Talarico is a team state and Western Region champion, leading her team to be third ranked nationally. She earned first place at Western Regionals and second place in U18 smallbore at the USA Shooting Nationals. At the IERPA competition, she took first place in smallbore. Talarico also placed second in both the air rifle and smallbore at the Junior Olympic Qualifiers.

The daughter of Jimmy and Melinda Talarico, Naya plans to major in emerging media arts. 

Talarico on Nebraska: "I chose Nebraska because of the coaching and team dynamics with the rifle team, as well as the academic program's specialized major and outstanding resources throughout the university."

Clark on Talarico: “We are looking forward to Naya’s arrival here in Lincoln. Throughout her recruiting process, Naya has displayed a very strong competitive edge and desire to be the very best there is; we look forward to watching her continue her pursuit of competitive excellence while here in Lincoln.”