January 14, 2025

Three new names confirmed for USA Archery’s Coach Advisory Council

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. - Two Coach Representative positions and one Athlete Representative position have been filled on the USA Archery Coach Advisory Council. For Coach Representatives, Richard Burkett and Laval Dee Falks join the Council, while Kaitlyn Oswald joins as an Athlete Representative.

The Coach Advisory Council makes recommendations to USA Archery on their instructor and coach certification programs, continuing education, and opportunities and challenges in the coaching community.

Burkett has more than 10-years’ experience coaching and competing in both recurve and compound nationally and internationally. He is a Level 4 Coach and Level 4 Coach Facilitator. Laval Dee Falks earned his Level 5 Coach certification 15 years ago, is the Head Coach for the Regional Elite Program in the Southeast and has coached 52 international events since 2009.

Burkett and Falks join Linda Beck and Tom Hinojosa, who were elected to the Coach Advisory Council in 2023. Beck and Hinojosa are both Level 5 Coaches with ample experience as Level 4 Coach Facilitators, coaching the Regional and National Elite Programs, and serving as International Team Staff.

Oswald, the new Athlete Representative, is a Level 2 Instructor and athlete at Muskingum University who is described by those who know her as inspirational and dedicated. Oswald joins Eleanor Rodriguez, whose term ends at the end of 2025. Besides being an athlete, Rodriguez is also a Level 4 Coach.

Outgoing Council members Steve Yee (Coach Representative) and John Shelby Stephens (Athlete Representative) were on the inaugural Coach Advisory Council and had terms end on December 31, 2024.

The Coach Advisory Council works closely with USA Archery Education Manager Kyle Bissell. Bissell said, “I am eager to begin collaborating with the Council. Coaches and athletes must have a voice as we continue to improve coach education programs within USA Archery; it is critical to the long-term success of our mission.”

Coach Representatives on the Coach Advisory Council

Athlete Representatives on the Coach Advisory Council