Alayna Musson, March – If you had asked me this question in third grade, my answer would have been very different. Back then, I would have said, “Ummmm, to make pots and bowls?” Not exactly the response you were expecting, right? At the time, I thought archery was some kind of pottery class. Random, I know.
Now, fast forward to today—ask yourself: If you did archery, what do you see yourself doing?
Making pottery? Probably not.
But…
- Shooting a bow
- Making friends
- Building skills
- Learning life lessons
- Achieving success
- And so much more!
More Than Just Shooting a Bow
Believe it or not, NASP® offers way more than just shooting arrows at a target. Through archery, students form friendships and develop important skills like focus, patience, confidence, and discipline. It’s not just about hitting the bullseye—it’s about personal growth. Plus, archery can open doors to exciting opportunities, like competing in college, earning scholarships, and even becoming a NASP® Student Contributor.
People often ask, Why do we do things? The answer usually comes down to two things:
- Needs
- Rewards
In NASP®, rewards come in many forms—whether it’s a medal for placing in the top five, a trophy for a high team score, or the support and encouragement from your peers, mentors, and teammates. The sense of accomplishment you gain from pushing yourself is one of the greatest rewards of all.
Archery is for Everyone
One of the best things about NASP® is that anyone can participate. You can even balance archery with other activities like baseball, football, band, cheer, and more—if your schedule allows. And for students who feel like they don’t quite fit into other sports, whether due to an injury, a disability, or simply a dislike for running, archery is the perfect fit. It’s an all-inclusive sport that truly welcomes everyone.
Finding Confidence Through Archery
Confidence is something I talk about a lot because it’s something I’ve gained through this sport. I’ve experienced it firsthand—on the shooting line and beyond.
At my end-of-year banquet, I went from casually chatting with the person next to me on the range to standing in front of 200+ people, sharing my story. I spoke about my journey, how my parents became my coaches, and everything I’ve gained from this program. I even got emotional, especially when I started listing the names of my friends—the very people who made practices fun and turned archery into something I truly loved.
That experience gave me the courage to speak in front of other crowds, all because of archery.
So, What Are You Waiting For?
Archery is filled with fun, inspiring, educational, and unforgettable moments. It’s a sport where you can challenge yourself, make lasting friendships, and grow in ways you never expected.
So now, all that’s left to do is…
JOIN ARCHERY!!!
