January – Hey archers! My name is Sophie Huff, and this is my first year as a NASP® student contributor! I’m so excited to share my story with archers everywhere. I’m a junior at Bullitt Central High School, and I’ve been shooting for 8 years now. Archery has had a major impact on my life, helping me develop everything from discipline to building new friendships. Some might say being on an archery team is like having a second family, and I couldn’t agree more. Looking back, I often ask myself, “Where would I be today if I hadn’t started shooting?”
My journey began at Cedar Grove Elementary with the amazing Coach Whitworth. I can’t say enough good things about him—he was an incredible coach, and to this day, I still go to him for advice. After that, I moved to Bernheim Middle School, where Coach Egbert, who also coached at Cedar Grove, was there to support me. Having that familiar face on my new team definitely made the transition easier. Over time, Coach Egbert helped me achieve countless goals and provided me with so many amazing opportunities.
One of the most significant things Coach Egbert did was help me find my voice—literally! If you’re local to Shepherdsville, KY, and have attended a tournament at Bernheim, you’ve probably heard my voice because I’ve had the privilege of announcing and running the range there. Additionally, Coach Egbert let me organize the first-ever 8th Grade Night for our archery team. That experience sparked my passion for public speaking and inspired me to pursue a college degree in journalism.
Moving to Bullitt Central was a big change for me, especially because I had so many great memories at Bernheim. I made so many wonderful friends during my last year there, and leaving was tough. But when I arrived at Bullitt Central, I was determined to make an impact. I looked up to the older archers and coaches, and I told myself that I wanted to be someone who younger archers could look up to as a role model.
This desire to be a role model inspired me to become BAI-certified after high school, but for now, I volunteer at Cedar Grove and Bernheim to stay connected with the younger archers I left behind. I continued organizing the 8th Grade Nights, and even had a few emotional moments—like when I cried at one of the events.
I truly believe that my experiences allow me to understand what younger archers might feel when they get discouraged. I was once in their shoes, and I still face challenges. But no matter what, I always keep a smile and stay positive. I want to show the younger archers that there’s always another tournament, another round, and another arrow to look forward to.
In conclusion, NASP® archery means everything to me. Archery has made such a positive impact on my life. So, when I ask myself the question, “Where would I be today if I hadn’t started shooting?” the answer is clear: I wouldn’t want it any other way. I love my archery community, and I hope that by reading my articles each month, other archers can relate to me and feel connected.
