On a quiet college campus in the Virgin Islands, precision meets patience every weekend. From children as young as eight to aspiring champions in their twenties, the Virgin Islands Archery Association (VIAA) is building more than just bullseye skills; it’s shaping focus, discipline, and a competitive spirit that’s aiming for the international stage.
At the heart of this growing movement is Patrick Smith, known to many of his young archers as “Coach Rick.” As the current president of VIAA and one of its leading coaches, Coach Rick has a clear mission: “Our focus is on elevating archery standards to a world-class level, with an emphasis on Olympic archery and high-performance compound archery training.”
Alongside him is Winnette Lawrence, coach, bow technician, and continental judge. With a gentle demeanour and laser focus, Ms. Lawrence thrives in teaching. “Coaching is what I enjoy most,” she says. “Especially with the younger ones. Teaching something I know, seeing it click for them, that’s rewarding.”
A Decade of Growth
Though archery has long existed in various forms throughout the Caribbean, the Virgin Islands Archery Association has been officially affiliated with World Archery since 2015. In just under a decade, the program has grown steadily, drawing a diverse and dedicated group of athletes and coaches.
The current training squad includes nine young athletes preparing for the Caribbean Development Championships in Trinidad, scheduled for October 23–26. Of these, seven shoot Olympic Recurve bows, a more traditional style of archery, while two specialise in the more mechanically advanced Compound bows.
So what’s the difference?
Coach Rick breaks it down simply: “The Compound bow uses cams, wheels, and cables. It’s designed for power and precision with a ‘let-off’ feature that reduces the holding weight at full draw. Recurve bows, on the other hand, are simpler and great for beginners. We usually start everyone with a training Recurve bow.”
Open to All
Archery, as practised at VIAA, is a remarkably inclusive sport. “We take them from about eight to 188,” Coach Rick laughs, emphasising that the sport welcomes everyone, regardless of age or physical ability.
Practice sessions are held every Saturday and Sunday from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., though the coaches often arrive earlier to shoot and prepare. The initial session costs just $5 to introduce newcomers to the basics of safety and technique. After that, the rate is $10 per hour. For those who wish to join the association officially, a $100 annual membership provides access to competitions and travel opportunities.
However, the VIAA is facing one significant challenge: SPACE.
“We’re currently training on a college campus, and only on weekends,” explains Ms. Lawrence. “But we’re competing against athletes who practice daily. Having our own facility, one we can use throughout the week and in the evenings, would be a game changer.”
Voices From the Range
The passion for archery is evident not just in the coaches but also in the young archers who are steadily honing their skills.
Jaydian “Pinky” Smith, who started archery at the age of five or six, reflects on how the sport has shaped her. “I’ve gained a lot of discipline. It taught me that progress takes practice. You need to be patient with yourself.” She’s already competed in two tournaments and is eager for more. “Meeting people from different countries, seeing different cultures — it’s amazing.”
Ka’Ori Augustine, a relative newcomer with just six months of experience, has already noticed a change in himself. “I’ve learned not to get frustrated easily. Archery helps me stay calm and collected, even when things don’t go my way.”
Jeremiah Hermanstya, also six months into his journey, is preparing to represent the Virgin Islands in Trinidad. Though soft-spoken, his focus is clear — and like many others, he’s learning fast.
A Call to Action
As the team prepares for its upcoming trip to Trinidad, both Coach Rick and Ms. Lawrence emphasise the need for financial support.
“Travelling with a team of nine young athletes is costly,” says Coach Rick. “We are actively seeking sponsorships or partnerships to help us represent the Virgin Islands on an international level.”
Still, the invitation remains open to anyone curious about the sport. “We welcome anyone to come try archery,” says Ms. Lawrence. “Whether you’re looking to compete or just want something new to try for fun, come out. You might just fall in love with it.”
The Virgin Islands Archery Association is committed to excellence and taking archery to an elite level in the Virgin Islands. They are seeking volunteers to train as coaches and judges, with one of their goals being to host regional and international tournaments.
For more information about the Virgin Islands Archery Association, including sponsorship opportunities or how to join, visit us during weekend practice sessions or contact us directly. Your support could help a young archer take their shot on the international stage.
Achieving Excellence, Together!
