Launi Meili

Coaching Credentials

• 2006 Great America Rifle Conference Coach of the Year
• U.S. National Team Assistant Coach (1997-2000)
• Member of USA Shooting Board of Directors
• NCAA Men's and Women's Rifle Committee (2003-07)
• Creator of International Coach Certification program
• Junior and Elite level coach

Athletic Background

• 1992 Olympic Gold Medalist in Three-Position Smallbore Rifle (Barcelona)
• Placed sixth (air rifle) and seventh (three-position rifle), 1988 Olympics (Seoul)
• Seven-time National Champion in Three-Position Rifle
• Set three world records and numerous national records
• Eastern Washington University Rifle Team (1982-85)
• NRA All-American in Air Rifle (1984-1985)
• NRA All-American in Smallbore Rifle (1985)

Launi Meili (pronounced LAW-nee MY-lee) began her fourth season in charge of the Nebraska rifle program in 2005-06 following a tremendously successful campaign in 2004-05.  This past season, Meili led Nebraska to its best finish in school history by finishing second as a team at the NCAA Championships following an undefeated regular season and a repeat as GARC Championship title.  Additionally, Meili coached junior Kristina Fehlings to NU's second individual event title as Fehlings brought home the individual air rifle title.

Following her appointment to head coach on June 4, 2002, Meili guided the Huskers to a successful season in 2002-03 with Nebraska ranking among the sport’s leaders in both air rifle and smallbore before finishing the year ranked 14th nationally. In the 2003-04 season, Meili guided her squad to its first NCAA appearance in three years, where the Huskers finished sixth overall.  She also coached freshman Kristina Fehlings to first-team All-America honors in air rifle and sophomore Misty Chanek to second-team All-America honors in both disciplines.  In 2004-05, the Huskers went back to the NCAA Championships where they finished third as a team and captured the GARC Championship in their first year as part of the conference.  Additionally, Meili saw four shooters combined for five NRA All-America and four CRCA All-Collegiate awards.

Meili’s background in rifle as a competitor, consultant and trainer has prepared her for a successful career as a coach. She brings a wealth of experience in rifle competitions at the national and international level as well as training junior and national team athletes. Meili’s competitive honors and coaching credentials reflect the highest honors at every level. A three-time U.S. Olympic Committee Athlete of the Year, Meili won the gold medal in the women’s three-position smallbore rifle at the 1992 Olympic Games in Barcelona, set two Olympic records and is the only American woman to win gold in smallbore. She also placed 11th in air rifle in Barcelona after finishing sixth in air rifle and seventh in three-position rifle at the 1988 Olympics in Seoul. She remains the only woman to compete in both events at two Olympics. Meili is also a seven-time national champion in three-position rifle, setting three world shooting records and numerous national records in her outstanding shooting career.

After retiring from competitive shooting in 1992, Meili spent  10 years coaching junior and elite level shooters and instructing athletes at shooting clinics and camps nationwide. She served as assistant coach for the U.S. National Rifle Team from 1997 to 2000 and is a member of the USA Shooting Board of Directors. Meili also created the International Coach Certification Program, the highest level of coaching credential recognized by USA Shooting and the National Rifle Association.  During the 2004-05 season, Meili was recognized for her outstanding achievement to the sport by being inducted into the International Shooting Hall of Fame.

Meili earned her master’s degree in sports psychology from the University of Idaho in 2001. She also holds a bachelor’s degree in nutrition and exercise physiology from EasternWashingtonUniversity.  A native of Spokane, Wash., Meili married Kevin Geddes in November of 2000. Geddes is a volunteer assistant coach for both the Nebraska cross country and track teams.

On Oct. 18, 2004, Launi and Kevin welcomed the birth of their first child, Bryce Owen Geddes.

Q&A with Coach Meili

Q: What is your coaching philosophy?

A: I definitely think it’s the athlete first and winning second.  I really feel it’s important to develop the full person, help develop them as an athlete and a student because these are the things that will most help them in the future.  The winning will take care of itself if all of their other needs are met.

Q:  What most influences your coaching style?

A:  Probably the people I’ve shot with.  There are so many different success stories and the many journeys to that success are unique.  I take that into account when I’m working with each individual.  I want to be open to all of the variables that help my athletes grow and develop.

Q: How do you draw from your time as an Olympic athlete?

A: In 1988, I set an Olympic record and fell from first to sixth place, so I know what it is like to fail at the highest level of competition.   I know what it takes to handle the highest pressure in success and failure. Here at Nebraska, I help the athletes develop a performance routine and shot plan as well as making them face the most challenging situations in practice to prepare them to the fullest capability in competition.

Q: What makes Nebraska rifle such a successful program?

    A: We are getting very motivated shooters that have high expectations and a great work ethic. They enjoy being together and supporting each other, which helps create a positive team environment. The other thing we have to offer is our facilities and support services. Our facilities are head-and-shoulders above other shooting schools, and what they have to offer to student-athletes. With our Husker Power program, training table and  medical staff, all of our shooters’ physical needs are met. Our academic program does a great job of keeping our athletes on task to succeed.  I think good grades go hand in hand with good shooting.  If our athletes are struggling or having problems in the classroom, we can set them up with the correct tutors or additional study time to help them reach their academic goals.