Advisor Becky Hedges founded the Prosper archery team, wanting to give Prosper students a chance to improve in confidence, composure, and teamwork.

“My son, Andy Hedges, a sixth grader at Reynolds, had been on an NASP archery team since in 4th grade at New Haven Elementary in Kentucky,” Hedges said. “Not only did he love the sport, but archery parents, coaches, and teachers also discovered that he and the other archers instantly improved in confidence, composure, and team work, among other attributes which translated to better grades, attendance, and participation in class.”

The archery team, comprised of archers from Reynolds and Rogers middle schools, practices for the upcoming Kaufman Winter competition on Dec. 2 and 3.

“I first started [archery] about a year or two ago when I got my first bow from Target for Christmas,” James Collins said. “It’s very addicting. Ever since I started it I can’t stop.”

The middle school principals, middle and high school Outdoor Education instructors, and PISD Administration helped to start up the team. Out of 75 applicants, 32 members were accepted onto the team. 

“My favorite part about being on the team is getting to know archers better,” Calleigh Archer said. 

The archery team practices in McKinney at the Texas Archery Academy. 

“I would appreciate if it was closer to school, but I also like it being here because I can come practice in my free time,” Collins said.

Parents also expressed that a new practice location in Prosper would be nice.

“I like the ideal of having a place at the school but this isn’t too bad as far as where we live in prosper,” parent Tori Archer said.

There are a total of 10 competitions over the course of the school year, including state, nationals, and world. During the team’s hour and a half practice, the archers rotate positions and each has an equal amount of time to practice.

“We come in; [Mrs. Hedges] does attendance; we do warm up; start a round,” Collins said. “Ten to seven minutes before practice ends, we get together to talk about what we did and what we need to improve on.”

The archers on the team have varying levels of experience, but all have high hopes and goals for the year.

“I really like that this is my second coaching time that I’ve been able to shoot my own bow,” Collins said. “I want to shoot an arrow so perfectly that I split it in half.”