It didn't take long for Jaden-Ann Fraser to start adding her own contributions to the University of North Georgia (UNG) rifle team's strong resume of success.
She earned Co-Air Rifle Athlete of the Year honors her freshman season in 2020-21 as the university earned its third overall Southern Conference (SoCon) title in five seasons in the league. UNG also won the conference in the air rifle discipline.
The Surgoinsville, Tennessee, native said keeping a positive mindset was pivotal in her accomplishments as a freshman, especially amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
"You can create any experience you want for your team with leadership," Fraser said. "You can still make it a very fun environment if you bring positivity."
A winner of multiple state and national rifle titles on the high school level before arriving at UNG, Fraser has gained an appreciation for authenticity from leaders.
"They can tell you all the right things, but if they don't do them, there is no weight to their words," she said. "If people see you doing the thing you're saying, whether you're in a leadership position or not, they are going to listen."
As a freshman at UNG, Fraser learned to share her ideas when she had important insight, even though she was one of the younger team members.
"Being genuine is very important," Fraser said. "If you feel like there is something the team can benefit from, be willing to share it."
Fraser's fervor for her studies equals the passion she brings to competition. She plans to graduate in May 2024 with a degree in political science with a pre-law concentration.
"I've always been told I'm really good at arguing. I thought I could make a career of it," Fraser said. "Being able to defend someone in court has always been appealing to me."
