Emma Hickerson, April – When I say archery has given me everything, I do not say that lightly. Throughout the 9 years I’ve shot NASP® archery I have made so many positive relationships with so many people.
Last year was one of the best years of my life, but especially with archery. The entire team felt like a big family, and I felt like I knew everyone. And on top of that, I grew so much closer with my group of friends on the team. I’d always had friend groups before, but that group was just different. It was so much stronger than any other one I’ve had before. Even though most of them were seniors and graduated last year, I am still very close with all of them, and we spent a lot of time hanging out over the summer. One of the boys in that group is now my boyfriend! We had known each other since shooting together in elementary school when I was in 4th grade and he was in 5th, and we have been good friends ever since, and have been dating for the past 6 months.
One of my favorite moments from last year was when as a team, we all rode a bus down to a tournament about 2 hours away. It was an amazing trip and it felt like it brought the whole team closer, especially with my friend group, and I would confidently say that it was one of the best days of my life, and my favorite archery memory as a whole.
Archery provides an amazing environment to form friendships and relationships because it is primarily a team sport, so you don’t have to worry much about competing against your teammates. It also is good to have friends on your team, because they can help get out the tournament jitters. When I’m getting particularly anxious while shooting, I go back after every round to talk and reflect with my friends and it calms the nerves a bit.
So next time you’re on the line at a tournament or practice, just start talking to the people around you. Who knows, you might just find your new best friend!
