Georgia Southern head rifle coach Soren Butler announced the signing of three new recruits set to join the program this fall: Chloe Parish, Carlee Valenta, and Leyi Xu. Parish, from Arkansas, is noted for her impressive junior qualifications and victories. Valenta, a transfer from UTEP, holds multiple NCAA accolades and strong competitive records. Xu, from Shanghai, boasts a successful background in various international championships and brings valuable potential to the team.

By the Numbers
  • Carlee Valenta averaged 584.538 in smallbore and 596.308 in air rifle during the 2025-26 season.
  • Chloe Parish won both the Arkansas CMP 3x20 Air Rifle Match and several placements at the junior women Winter Grand Prix.
State of Play
  • The program aims to enhance its competitiveness in the NCAA by adding experienced athletes from diverse backgrounds.
  • Coach Butler highlights the significant potential of each signee for immediate contributions to the team's performance.
What's Next

As these athletes prepare to join, the coaching staff will look to integrate their skills into the team structure, with upcoming training sessions aimed at maximizing their capabilities and cohesion.

Bottom Line

The addition of Parish, Valenta, and Xu positions Georgia Southern for a stronger competitive edge, showcasing a strategic move towards building a formidable rifle program aimed at future championships.