The Vegas Shoot 2025 was more than just a competition—it was a celebration of young talent, passion, and perseverance. Among the standout moments was the Junior Scholarship Contest, where Isabelle Bowler and Kenta Kwong Hin Sang each earned a $1,000 scholarship for their inspiring stories on how archery has shaped their lives.
"I almost didn't sign up this year," Isabelle admitted. "I tried last year and didn't get it, so I'm kind of thrilled this year." Her writing captured the deep, personal moments that make archery special, like the feeling of time standing still at full draw.
Kenta’s story highlighted resilience: "I wrote about my journey from not knowing about archery at all, to starting archery, falling in love with it, and then right when I was starting to get good at it, I was injured and then I talked about the community of support that helped me back onto my feet, and how I'm very glad that I can continue practicing and doing archery. I'm very thankful for this award."
Beyond scholarships, junior archers soaked in the full Vegas Shoot experience. Many, like Bo Martinek, who won the Bowhunter Cub Male division, felt the pressure but rose to the challenge. “It was a little nerve-racking, but I got through it,” he said.
For others, the highlight came after the awards at the Meet the Pros event, where young archers connected with the sport’s biggest stars. Sophia Porter, who placed 12th in Compound Youth Female, was excited to meet her favorite pro, Paige Pearce. “I've been following along with her for—I don’t know how long, actually.”
The Vegas Shoot continues to be a platform where young archers not only showcase their talent but also find a sense of belonging in a community that supports and inspires them. With over $65,000 awarded in scholarships and prizes this year, the event remains dedicated to encouraging the next generation of archers to pursue both their athletic and academic dreams.