PHOTOS BIO Meet Courtney McCoy from Hatfields & McCoys: White Lightning

History’s hugely successful Hatfields & McCoys miniseries starring Kevin Costner and Bill Paxton has inspired the network to launch the brand new reality series Hatfields & McCoys: White Lightning starring the actual descendents of the original feuding families and premiering Thursday, August 1 at 10/9c. It’s 150 years later, but they are still working the coal mines and still making moonshine — oh, and still not getting along.

Although they “still live along the West Virginia and Kentucky border on the same land where their ancestors waged America’s most notorious family feud,” these families aren’t exactly what you’d call “backwoods.” For example, meet Courtney McCoy (above), the daughter of Jim McCoy and a 2010 graduate of Marshall University with a degree in International Relations, History, and Political Science.

Those fields of study may seem a bit out of character for a rural West Virginia gal, but when you consider that the main plot of the show revolves around seasoned liquor executive Monsell Darville trying to get the families to work together to launch an authentic new moonshine brand, I can’t imagine a better curriculum vitae!

OK, quick Courtney photo break to rest your eyes a bit…

Here’s Courtney’s bio from History that iterates my point about Courtney’s academic expertise:

It is only fitting that Courtney McCoy, the daughter of Jim McCoy, has business acumen and a fiery temper to match. Courtney is the organizer of the family and keeps everyone in line. She is an alumnus of Marshall University and graduated with a degree in history and international affairs, with a minor in Political Science. Courtney is currently working toward her master’s degree in Business. Courtney is the family historian, who hates the Hatfields but appreciates the legacy that their families share. Like a true McCoy, she loves four-wheeling and carries her .22 at all times.

And speaking of carrying a gun at all times, here’s a great family photo of the modern-day McCoys with a pistol-packin’ Courtney:

So who is this gorgeous brunette country gal with a hi-falutin’ education and hillbilly royalty in her veins? We did a little diggin’ online and here’s what we came up with…

First off, Courtney McCoy is actually Courtney Quick, daughter of Jim Quick, a direct maternal descendent of Randall McCoy. I’m guessing History decided to go with McCoy as a last name just to alleviate any confusion. (They actually used the Quick name in the original press release announcing the series – included below) Rest assured, however, the Quicks are the real deal!

^ The McCoy family. From left to right: John McCoy, Courtney McCoy, Tammy McCoy, Jim McCoy, Irene “Goldie” McCoy, James McCoy, Mickey McCoy

Courtney Quick and her family, which includes younger brothers James and John, dad Jim and mom Tammy are from Chapmanville, West Virginia where Courtney graduated from Chapmanville High School in 2005. There’s a Courtney Quick listed as being on the CHS tennis team in 2002 (as a non-senior), but I’m not sure if that is Courtney McCoy or not. (From here on out I’m just going to go with “McCoy.” I agree with History in that it just makes things a little less confusing, and that way you won’t forget just which side of the Tug River she’s from) 😉

Courtney, who spent time from 2007-2008 as a blonde (above), went to Marshall University in Huntington, West Virginia from 2006-2010 where she was a member of the Gamma Omicron chapter of the Alpha Chi Omega sorority.

Courtney graduated from Marshall University in 2010 with History/International Affairs/Political Science mentioned above. Here she is with her family (and Hatfields & McCoys: White Lightning co-stars) John, Tammy, Tim and James wearing her cap and gown:

According to her Facebook profile, Courtney began working in sales at Verizon Wireless on Apr 3, 2011 and left in August of 2012 — which I’m guessing is right about when they began filming H&MWL. She currently lists James Quick and Associates Insurance in Chapmanville as her current employer and “management” as her job title.

One thing that is apparent from looking at photos of Courtney over the last couple years is that she has lost a good deal of weight, thanks in part apparently to running because Courtney was a participant in the annual Hatfield McCoy Marathon in June. (Perhaps knowing she was going to be on a reality show served as a motivator?) Either way, she looks really fantastic! Especially during neon night at the club!

You can catch Courtney McCoy (in less colorful attire), her family, and a whole passel of Hatfields on Hatfields & McCoys: White Lightning Thursday nights at 10/9c on History! Until then, here is some more info on the show from the History press release mixed in with some more photos of Courtney McCoy and her family. (Sorry, no Hatfields here – this is a #TeamMcCoy post!)

Still at it after 150 years!
The epic American family feud rages on.

Meet the real-life descendants of the famed rival clans in…

HATFIELDS AND McCOYS: WHITE LIGHTNING

New series premieres Thursday, August 1 at 10 p.m. on HISTORY®

July 15, 2013, New York, NY – To this day, the Hatfields and McCoys still live along the West Virginia and Kentucky border on the same land where their ancestors waged America’s most notorious family feud. 150 years later, they are still working the coal mines and still making moonshine. Divided by the Tug River and generations of bad blood, they still don’t get along. Sure, over the years treaties have been signed and handshakes exchanged, but none of that can erase their violent past.

Now, the legendary clans are trying to put aside their hateful history and come together, even as old tensions run high. HATFIELDS AND McCOYS: WHITE LIGHTNING, premiering Thursday, August 1 at 10 p.m. on HISTORY®, follows the current real-life descendants of Randall McCoy and Devil Anse Hatfield as they face an opportunity that could rewrite history – or further propel their hatred well into the 21st century.

With moonshine now legal in West Virginia, seasoned liquor executive Monsell Darville is looking to bring an authentic new moonshine brand to market. He approaches McCoy patriarch Jim Quick, a direct maternal descendent of Randall McCoy, to boldly propose a business partnership with the Hatfields – one that would create a Hatfield & McCoy moonshine. This would require Jim to work alongside patriarch Mark Hatfield, the great-great-great grandson of Devil Anse Hatfield. It would also demand that both families reveal their secret moonshine recipes, supply their legendary well water and most importantly – work together and get along!

The Hatfields and McCoys are true American originals. A stubborn streak runs a mile wide in these parts, and long-held grudges can even pit brother against brother. Grannies talk trash and tote guns. Long-suffering wives try to keep hot-headed husbands in line. But nobody trusts an outsider.

^ I’m pretty sure that’s Courtney’s brother James McCoy with her at Neon Night! Oh man, I hope we get to see a Neon Night Hatfields vs. McCoys throwdown this season!

It’s all a matter of history, principle and family pride for the warring clans. With millions of dollars at stake, is it possible to put their bad blood behind them? Can they stop seeing red and start making green? Or will their infamous history prevail and kill the chance of a lifetime?

HATFIELDS & McCOYS: WHITE LIGHTNING is produced for HISTORY by Coolfire Originals and Thinkfactory Media. Executive producers for Coolfire Originals are Jeff Keane, David Keane, and Arcadia Berjonneau. Executive producers for Thinkfactory Media are Adam Freeman, Adam Reed, Leslie Greif, Co-executive producer is Chris Gillen. Carl H. Lindahl and Julian P. Hobbs are executive producers for HISTORY.

Here’s a preview clip:

Hatfields & McCoys: White Lightning premieres Thursday night, August 1 at 10/9c and new episodes air weekly at the same time after that. Click here to check out the official site at History.com!