The National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP) has been a launching pad for success, introducing students to archery in local school gymnasiums and driving them toward collegiate teams, international tournaments, and the great outdoors. According to the 2024 NASP Student Survey, students and alumni strongly agree: The program transforms lives by shaping character, fostering resilience, and inspiring dreams.

Transforming Lives Through Archery

Facts: Because of NASP, 34% of participants are more confident in other areas of life; and 25% of participants can better handle emotions or things bothering them.

NASP was not just about hitting bull’s-eyes, but also about learning life skills. Andrew Hedges, a former team captain and now collegiate archer, noted how NASP prepared him for future academic pursuits. “NASP taught me flexibility and teamwork,” he said. “The program helped me build connections with diverse groups and apply lessons from archery to every area of my life.”

For Allee Miracle, another collegiate archer, NASP® had profound impacts on her journey of self-discovery and growth. “I think the reason I have chosen counseling as a career is because in shooting archery, I have truly found understanding in the importance of a good mindset…archery goes beyond the classroom,” said Miracle.

Similarly, Aly Sveeggen, who transitioned from NASP participant to professional coach, emphasizes the community and mental health benefits of the sport. “As a coach, I’ve focused on creating a safe, supportive environment where archers can grow,” she shared. “NASP taught me the value of compassion and perseverance — qualities I now pass on to my team.”

Inspiring Future Generations

Fact: Because of NASP, 20% have participated in archery competitions beyond NASP.

NASP introduces many students to their lifelong passion. Savannah O’Donohue, a high school student from Louisiana, began with NASP and later joined the Junior Olympic Archery Development (JOAD) program where she earned a spot on the USA Archery Team. Her achievements include a silver medal in the 2022 Youth Pan American Games in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, and a gold and silver medal at the 2024 Youth Pan American Games in San Salvador, El Salvador. “My participation in those tournaments has earned me the honor and privilege of representing my country in international events … trying out for my elementary school archery team has shaped and changed my life forever.”

Introducing Archers to Bowhunting

Fact: Because of NASP, 14% of participants have taken up bowhunting and another 26% want to.

NASP has also served as an introduction to the world of bowhunting for many participants. LaRhea Christensen, who started her archery journey in fifth grade, shared how NASP prepared her for a life of hunting adventures. “Archery helped me develop patience, trust, and determination — qualities that have been invaluable in the field,” she said.  LaRhea, along with her two brothers, Carsen and Kaden, built on their love for the sport by co-founding Tag’em Outdoors, a YouTube channel dedicated to sharing their passion for hunting.

Matthew Ebner, another NASP alumni, emphasized how the program’s focus on discipline and accuracy translates seamlessly into hunting success. “The skills I established in NASP, from maintaining equipment to managing nerves, have greatly contributed to my bowhunting achievements,” he noted. “NASP laid the foundation for one of my greatest passions.”

Michael Hendrickson, a former Washington NASP state champion and current college student, credits NASP for connecting him with like-minded individuals who share his passion for the outdoors. “My teammates and I would talk — and still do — about our adventures in the woods, turkey hunting, or looking for elk sheds. We share pictures of our successes and learn from each other’s failures,” he shared. “I didn’t have many opportunities to bow hunt as a youth, but now it’s my passion. Even better, my brother, who currently competes in NASP, has started his own bowhunting journey.”

NASP Students Touch Lives

Facts: Because of NASP, 31% of participants were influenced by another person in NASP to become an archer; and 22% of participants have encouraged someone in their family to begin shooting archery.

Tyler Woosley, who became aware of archery only after his sister started shooting in the NASP program, is now a senior at the University of the Cumberlands and a three-time national champion. “Once I found out we had it, I knew I had to participate!” Tyler said.  A few years later, this decision proved important for his future! “I had been contacted by a couple of different colleges about possibly coming to shoot for them. After seeing how interested the schools were in getting me to come, I figured it was time to think about my future.”

Madilynn Rhinevault, a former NASP champion and current college freshman, is funding her education with NASP scholarships. “This program has laid the groundwork for my future by serving as a source of inspiration, community and passion,” Madilyn said. “Archery became my sport and lifelong passion fueled by the NASP program and their mission to actively engage kids in a sport of legends while providing the resources to create a better community for the world of tomorrow. And that is exactly what they did.”

The success of NASP is clearly reflected in the accomplishments and character of its alumni. As these stories illustrate, NASP is far more than a sport — it is a launching pad for personal growth, lifelong achievements, and the creation of thriving communities.