SALT LAKE CITY, Utah - USA Archery's 2017 Coach Symposium was held last weekend at the Double Tree by Hilton Salt Lake City Airport and Easton Salt Lake Archery Center. The symposium included world-renowned experts including keynote speaker Dr. Wade Gilbert and special guests Dr. Judson Brewer, Dr. Christine Brooks, and Coach KiSik Lee.
The symposium covered a range of topics presented by USA Archery National Coaches, USA Archery staff, and other subject matter experts. Topics included the National Training System, bow tuning, youth athlete development, archery biomechanics, mindfulness and psychological safety.
Derek Davis, who was awarded the "Doc" Councilman Science Award at the event commented: "This year's symposium was one of the best. The presentations were on a next level and taught what we need going forward to develop our archers. While I truly enjoyed the presentations, the thing I personally value the most is networking and sharing knowledge with my peers."
Keynote speaker Dr. Wade Gilbert shared: "It was an honor to participate in the USA Archery Coach Symposium. It is a world-class opportunity to become a better coach and grow your coaching network. It is the perfect blend of world renowned speakers and hands-on archery coaching tips, including advice on how to build and grow an archery program. I have no doubt every coach - regardless of years of experience or level of athletes they are coaching - walked away from the event with some new tools in their coaching toolbox."
USA Archery also partnered with many of our top Para athletes and coaches to offer an Adaptive Archery session where the athletes opened up about the challenges they face in the sport and gave the symposium attendees a unique, hands-on experience to help them understand adaptive needs and become better coaches.
Paralympian Lia Coryell shared: "The Adaptive Archery sessions we did this weekend were absolutely amazing! We were able to connect one on one with coaches from all over the U.S. We really worked hard to give them real experiences that simulate different physical challenges. It was such an overwhelming success! I think we made some major strides in forming connections between the able-bodied coaches and para archers."
Another symposium attendee Debbie Gibilaro shared: "It was great reconnecting with coaches I've known for years and meeting other coaches. Through attending the symposium, I have been able to pinpoint areas that I can work on to make me a better coach. I'd like to thank USA Archery and all of the speakers especially Dr. Wade Gilbert and Fernando Lopez for sharing their expertise. I'm looking forward to attending the next Symposium."
There are many opportunities in the next year for archery coaches to further their education, including coach observer mentorship programs and the chance to coach at major world events as part of the International Team Staffing Program. To learn about other coach education opportunities, click here.
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