Kentucky loses national champion, Olympic medalist to NCAA transfer portal
She won numerous national championships representing the University of Kentucky and multiple medals for Team USA but, suddenly, Mary Tucker is looking for a new home.
Tucker, a junior who helped lead UK to the 2022 national championship in rifle last month, announced on Instagram on Monday afternoon her decision to enter the NCAA transfer portal.
“Most of these last three years have brought so much success and fantastic experiences,” Tucker posted. “Everything I have achieved thus far, from NCAA championships to Olympic medals, have been achieved with the University of Kentucky supporting me.
“That being said, for reasons I will never know, it’s in my best interest to enter the transfer portal.”
Tucker’s post did not explain why she is choosing to transfer. She thanked the school and UK Athletics and expressed gratitude for the opportunities afforded her.
She concluded with this:
“I gave you my all. I wish it could have been enough. I’ll speak my truth when the time is right.
“I will always bleed blue, but everything comes to an end, it’s time for the next adventure.”
UK won its fourth NCAA team title in rifle last month, and its second straight national crown in the sport.
“I think a really big aspect that gives us an advantage is we have fun,” Tucker said after the win. “Especially in situations like this being here at NCAAs, you see a lot of the teams and they’re all really stressed out. Everybody puts a lot of pressure on this match. While we do value it a lot, we’re able to come in and do what we want to do and still have a lot of fun with it.”
Tucker, a North Carolina native, finished second to teammate Will Shaner in the individual smallbore championship at this year’s NCAA championships after Tucker won that event last year. She also finished second in the individual air rifle finals this year after winning last year. In both 2021 and 2022, Tucker was the top aggregate scorer at the NCAA championships.
“When she’s on the range, she’s 100% engaged,” UK Coach Harry Mullins told the Herald-Leader in February about Tucker. “A lot of times people do their jobs or they perform in athletics to where they just kind of do to be doing. She’s very purposeful in what she does.”
Tucker also won a silver medal at last summer’s Tokyo Olympics in the 10-meter rifle mixed team competition. In 2021, Tucker won a gold medal in 10-meter air rifle in the International Shooting Sport Federation World Cup.
