Our Story
Sarasota Archery Academy exists to build archers—from first shots to state and national podiums. Our USA Archery–certified coaching team delivers development-focused training for JOAD youth and adults across USA Archery, ASA, and NFAA disciplines. Whether you’re brand new or competition-bound, our coaches tailor instruction, mindset, and equipment to your goals in Sarasota, FL.
Coach Rob
Robert Gilbert — USA Archery Certified Level 3 Coach
Coach Rob first stepped into coaching to support his four sons on their archery journey—and never looked back. He believes in working hard at what you love and letting the results speak for themselves.As the team’s bow technician, Rob is the go-to guy for dialing in equipment and fine-tuning athletes. He has a knack for helping “hard-level” students find their groove, treating every archer like a bow that just needs the right adjustment.
Rob is led by his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and everything he does on and off the range reflects that foundation. Guided by his faith (and a little tough love), he keeps a firm rule in place: “Work hard and absolutely no whining.”
Coach Chad
Chad Henderson — USA Archery Certified Level 3 Coach
Archery has been a lifelong passion for Coach Chad, beginning when he first picked up a bow as a kid—for both sport and hunting. Over the years, it has become more than a pastime: it’s been a tool for personal growth, a source of balance, and an outlet for life’s stresses.
Chad believes that archery teaches more than just how to hit the target. Patience, discipline, focus, and resilience are lessons that extend far beyond the range, shaping character in everyday life. His greatest joy comes from helping others—especially kids—discover their potential, build confidence, and find success both personally and competitively.
That joy is personal, too. He’s witnessed it firsthand through his daughter, who began archery at age nine and has grown tremendously in the sport. For Chad, nothing comes before God, his family, and his country—and archery is a special way he connects with all three, sharing it with his daughter, friends, and community.
Coach Scott
Scott — USA Archery Certified Level 2 Instructor
Scott likes to joke that he’s “old, cranky, and always late,” but don’t let the humor fool you. Behind the gruff exterior is a patient, soft-hearted coach who genuinely cares about helping kids and adults alike reach their full potential in archery. His calm presence and steady guidance make him a trusted mentor on the shooting line, especially for students just beginning their journey.
