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NASP Schools

National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP)

Grace Groves

My name is Grace Groves, and I am an eighth grader from Arkport, NY.

Grace’s first state tournament in 2019.

Shooting tournaments

I have been an active NASP® shooter for three years. During my time as an archer, I have had many great opportunities and experiences at tournaments and with other archers. My favorite experience that I have had with NASP archery was my team’s first year going to the national tournament.

At tournaments I enjoy talking to other coaches and archers to compare differences in form, history, and many archery related topics. I have met many archery-knowledgeable coaches and archers that have helped me improve.

I have gone to many large tournaments, and I have made friends that I enjoy seeing at other tournaments and talking to about archery. As often as I can, I try to get my lane partner’s social media to connect with them after the tournament, regardless if we are competing against each other or not.

Getting started

I first joined archery because most of my friends were doing it. Shortly after, my dad became a coach and we set up a range in my basement for me to practice year-round. I first became passionate about archery after I did well in my first state tournament, I placed 2nd with a score of 226. This encouraged me to want to get better so I practiced more and eventually I improved. My most recent score at my virtual state tournament was 284 and I placed first overall in New York for the girl’s division.

Grace with her trophy and award bow 2020-2021 season.

Setting goals

Although I achieved my goal of winning, I still want to increase my ability and grow as an archer. My main goal in the 2021-2022 season is to place well at nationals and beat my personal best of 286 in a tournament. I have gone to three levels of tournaments: state, nationals, and the championship. I enjoy competing at these tournaments and being able to see archers who come from different places and backgrounds.

To me, archery is not just a sport. I am passionate and motivated to educate other archers and get more students involved.

I am happy and grateful to be a student contributor and to be able to write about archery and inform others about archery and what to look forward to when joining NASP®. I hope that it will allow me to meet and gain knowledge from other archers.

-Grace Groves is a 2022 student contributor. Watch for her future submissions.-