The All-American award, created by the NRA in 1936 to honor top collegiate rifle shooters, has become a top goal of collegiate student-athletes. The experiences and knowledge gained in pursuing and achieving the prestigious honor remain with the NRA All-American throughout their careers.
Winners of the All-American title, recognized as the highest honor in collegiate shooting, have gone on to distinguish themselves in international competitions, representing their country in the Olympics, Pan American Games, Championships of the Americas and the World Shooting Championships, in addition to winning hundreds of national and regional championships in the United States.
Since the beginning of the NRA's college honors program, All-Americans have contributed significantly to international shooting.
The All-American selection committee is chosen from the NRA Collegiate Programs Committee. Members of the selection committee are former All-Americans, coaches of All-Americans, or both.