My name is McKenna Montgomery, and I am an archer from Iowa. I am in 8th grade and have been shooting since I was in 4th. I enjoy archery because it is such a positive environment to be in and I love every part of it.
It started with my grandpa
My grandpa once shot for Arizona State University. In 2014, he started the NASP archery program for my school district in Iowa. He enjoys watching new archers grow, which is why he helped me start shooting. Even though my grandpa was not coaching with the school anymore, he helped me start and still provides me with advice and support. We have a very strong bond and I appreciate how much he cares about the sport.
Making improvement
Since starting archery I have improved. I started by scoring in the 130s and being inconsistent while shooting. I was happy when I at least hit the target! I am to the point now where I am shooting around 280 and am pushing myself to consistently hit the gold.
I have qualified and attended state and nationals several times. I have gone to Louisville, Kentucky twice for nationals and have qualified two other times. One canceled due to Covid-19 and I competed the other year virtually, also due to Covid.
2020’s archery season was very different from other seasons due to Covid. We had to practice by shooting at our own targets, competing while wearing masks, and participating in several virtual tournaments. I was glad we still had archery that year.
My goals this season
One of my goals is to continue to help new archers, such as my sister. She joined archery this season and I am excited to help her get started. Helping my sister will not only help her, but will help me. Identifying and noticing inconsistencies in other’s form is a great way to help improve yourself. I love being able to shoot next to her, watch her, and help her improve.
Archery has always been a sport that I enjoy. I have learned while shooting that you will not always beat your best score. I have ups and downs all the time. One of my biggest goals this year is to have a positive mindset. Archery is such a mental sport that a positive mindset will help me stay on track and continue to improve.
Consistency is another goal of mine I am always working on improving. Being consistent with my form is a huge part of archery that will make my shooting more accurate. I look forward to seeing what the 2022 season brings.
-McKenna Montgomery is a 2022 student contributor. Watch for her future submissions.-
