Stanley-Boyd’s Audrey Bucknell may be relatively new to archery, but her dedication, mindset, and steady improvement have quickly made her a rising talent.
Bucknell, a 7th grader at Stanley-Boyd, first picked up a bow just last year, driven by a desire to step outside her comfort zone.
“I started it because I wanted to try something new and challenging,” she explained.
Like many athletes, Bucknell quickly learned that the mental side of the sport can be just as demanding as the physical mechanics. One of her biggest hurdles has been managing the constant pressure to improve scores.
“One major challenge I experienced is the pressure of always competing to get a better and better score than the last. I overcame this by shifting my focus from the number score I got to the process of shooting the arrows.”
That shift in perspective has helped Bucknell grow not only as a competitor but also as a student of the sport. She’s found joy in the day-to-day work that leads to success.
“The things I most enjoy is setting new goals for tournaments or even practice and then beating them,” she shared.
Among her competitions this season, one event in particular stands out for a very personal reason that quickly became a memorable highlight in her young career.
“The tournament that stood out the most to me is the Thorp and Stanley tournament because my some of my family came to watch me shoot,” she said.
Bucknell continues to set her archery sights high. She has already posted a strong personal best and is motivated to keep climbing.
“One personal goal I have is to shoot a 250 or higher but my current best is 240.”
Behind her progress is a strong support system, especially from one family member who has made a lasting impact.
“The person that supported me the most is my grandma because she has always been very positive and happy with whatever score I get,” said Bucknell.
With her positive attitude and clear goals, Audrey Bucknell represents the future of Stanley-Boyd archery well. As she continues to gain experience and confidence, reaching — and surpassing — that 250 mark looks well within reach.
