Built to Compete
Sarasota Archery Academy fields athletes in two competitive programs — disciplined, focused, and trained to perform when it counts.
X-Ring Program
The X-Ring Program competes in USA Archery target disciplines — the same circuit that feeds into Olympic development pipelines. Athletes train for indoor 18-meter 3-spot rounds and outdoor 720-round formats, competing at local, state, and regional tournaments throughout the season.
This program demands precision above everything else. Competitors are held to strict shot process standards, score discipline, and mental consistency. It is not about raw talent — it is about the ability to execute under pressure, end after end.
Outdoor 720 Round
USA Archery Sanctioned
$200 / Month
Upper 12’s Program
The Upper 12’s Program is built around ASA 3D archery competition. These athletes are pursuing Shooter of the Year rankings through state qualifier events and the Florida State Championship — a full season commitment with real results on the line.
3D archery requires a different kind of athlete. Competitors read terrain, judge distance, manage unknown yardage, and execute under conditions that can’t be fully replicated in practice. This program sharpens all of it.
Shooter of the Year Pursuit
FL State Championship
$300 / Month
What We Expect From Every Athlete
Program matters less than mindset. Every Academy athlete — regardless of which program they compete in — is held to the same standard.
Show Up Prepared
Practice attendance is an obligation, not a suggestion. Athletes who show up consistently are the athletes who improve consistently. Mondays and Thursdays, 5:00–8:00 p.m.
Respect the Line
Tournament conduct, facility care, and how you treat your teammates and competitors reflects directly on this program. We hold the line on character as firmly as we hold the line on score.
Compete to Improve
Results matter — but growth is the real scoreboard. Every tournament is a data point. Athletes who chase improvement over ego are the ones who eventually get both.
Honor the Commitment
Membership is a six-month commitment. The team builds its tournament schedule, travel plans, and coaching around every athlete on the roster. Your commitment matters to the whole program.
Communicate Early
Schedule conflicts, equipment issues, or anything that affects your ability to compete — we need to know early. Communication is a team skill just like the shot process.
Represent Well
On the range, at tournaments, and online — you carry the Academy name. We expect every athlete to represent this program with the same pride they bring to the line.
Coaching Staff
All four of our coaches donate their time and expertise. No one draws a salary. Every coaching hour goes directly into developing our athletes — nothing is redirected.
Rob Gilbert
Competitive archer and certified instructor directing both the X-Ring and Upper 12’s programs. Rob’s coaching is built on one premise: athletes who train under competitive pressure perform better when it counts. He coaches compound and recurve disciplines across all age divisions and manages every aspect of the Academy’s program structure.
Chad Henderson
A USA Archery Level 3 certified coach who brings competition experience and technical depth to every session. Chad works with athletes across both programs on shot mechanics, mental process, and performance under tournament pressure. Like every member of our coaching staff, he volunteers his time entirely.
Scott Reed
USA Archery Level 2 certified and fully invested in athlete development. Scott focuses on building fundamentals and competition readiness, working closely with athletes as they progress through the program. His commitment to this team is the same as every coach here — entirely volunteer-driven.
Tristan Towers
USA Archery Level 2 certified and a dedicated contributor to the Academy’s athlete development pipeline. Tristan brings energy, attention to detail, and genuine investment in the growth of every athlete he coaches. He donates his time to this program because he believes in what it stands for.
Your Spot Is Waiting
Think you have what it takes? Tryouts are open to athletes of all experience levels who are ready to commit to competing and improving.