North Carolina State University Athletics
Holsopple Adds Crossley and Salas to 2020 NC State Rifle Recruiting Class
11/15/2019 4:07:00 PM | Rifle
RALEIGH, N.C. – Head coach Emily Holsopple announced the addition of two student-athletes to the NC State rifle program for the 2020-21 season. Lauren Crossley and Ben Salas will join the Wolfpack next season as the second signing class under Holsopple.
"We are very excited to have Lauren and Ben joining our Pack," said Holsopple. "They each bring their own strengths and attributes that will add depth to our team. Together, these two bring the passion and drive we are looking for to continue to grow the program into a national championship caliber team."
Lauren Crossley
Oak Harbor, Wash.
Oak Harbor High School
Crossley joins the Wolfpack from Oak Harbor, Wash. where she won multiple state championship titles. Crossley competed at Air Rifle Nationals and Regionals three years in a row, finishing eighth and fourth, respectively. Additionally, Crossley has competed in the USA National Shooting Championships.
Crossley attended Oak Harbor High School, where she is a three-year letter winner. She participates in community service with the NJROTC and enjoys playing sports.
"Lauren comes to us from a very strong program in Washington state," said Holsopple. "She has quickly risen to the top of each team she has been on and we expect her to rise up here too. I love the competitor in her that wants to grow and the student in her that seeks to soak in everything she can about the sport."
Ben Salas
Tampa, Fla.
Paul R. Wharton High School
Coming to the Wolfpack from Tampa, Fla., Salas becomes the second member of his family to be a student-athlete at NC State as his grandfather played football for the Wolfpack from 1956-59. Salas earned the top J2 place at the USAS Rifle Nationals in 2019 after shooting a 618 in Air Rifle. Salas is a member of the marching band and NJROTC at Paul R. Wharton High School.
"Ben is a very determined and competitive athlete," said Holsopple. "He played years of golf, which is also heavily a mental sport. He has carried those psychological skills into shooting. Ben's will to win is something that immediately attracted us to him."
