COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – An Olympic gold medalist is among those recognized as part of USA Archery’s annual Coach of the Year Awards, with awards going to the Female and Male Developmental Coach of the Year, while in 2024 there was also a Male Volunteer Coach of the Year award.
Members of the USA Archery Staff and Coach Advisory Council vote for Coach of the Year recipients based on information gathered during the nomination process. All information provided to the selection committee is anonymous. This allows the selection committee to vote solely on a nominee’s ability to intentionally provide high-quality coaching, demonstrate application of evidence-based practices, display an athlete-centered approach, and create measurable results in developing athletes.
The Developmental Coach of the Year award recognizes coaches who exemplify excellence in coaching through application of their expertise, and the use of evidence-based practices. It honors an individual who prioritizes an athlete-centered approach and demonstrates a commitment to high-quality coaching.
The Volunteer Coach is acknowledged for the same qualities as a Developmental Coach. However, a Volunteer Coach of the Year recipient does not receive payment of any form for their involvement in coaching. These awards are based on the coach’s accomplishments throughout 2024 alone.
Coach Hyang Soon Seo
Coach Hyang Soon Seo is a highly dedicated and accomplished archery coach known for her commitment to quality coaching and continuous self-improvement. Her journey from a self-taught Olympian (1984 individual gold in LA at the age of 17) to a master coach has shaped her approach, emphasizing meticulous technique, resilience and personalized training for each athlete.
Her coaching strategy blends foundational skills with modern techniques, and she prioritizes not only technical proficiency but also mental discipline, resilience, and patience. Coach Hyang Soon Seo is deeply respected for her expertise, warmth, and genuine care for her athletes, creating a supportive environment that nurtures growth both in archery and in life.
2024 Male Developmental Coach of the YearCoach Dewitt Blunden
Coach Dewitt Blunden’s athletes share that he is an archery expert who eagerly shares his knowledge with students, colleagues and fellow archers. He is passionate about improving and refining archery techniques, offering detailed insights and methods to help others enhance their skills.
Coach Blunden stays current with new training methods and is proactive in seeking feedback from other coaches to expand his coaching techniques, always striving to improve his approach for his students' benefit.
2024 Male Volunteer Coach of the YearCoach Chad Jones
Coach Chad Jones is a dedicated coach focused on continuous self-improvement and enhancing his coaching skills. He embraces modern coaching methodologies and has attended multiple Regional Elite Program camps, even outside his region, as a Parent Coach. Observing at these camps exposed Coach Chad to advanced techniques in high-performance training.
Coach Chad prioritizes individual athlete development, regularly discussing goals with each archer and tailoring training plans to meet those objectives. His personalized coaching approach motivates athletes and ensures they receive both individual attention and strong team support. Notably, Chad played a key role in helping John Shelby Stephens achieve second place at the World Field Trials and supported him through the World Archery Field Championships, where John Shelby placed ninth. Chad's dedication to his athletes' success is evident in his willingness to invest time and resources in their growth.
If you believe your coach is deserving of a Coach of the Year Award, please consider nominating them for 2025. To learn about all Coach of the Year Award categories, such as the ones above and the Doc Councilman Science Award, please click here.
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