Williamsburg, KY – The 8th annual S3DA Vegas National Championship, hosted by Scholastic 3-D Archery (S3DA) in partnership with the National Field Archery Association (NFAA), took center stage at the Paris Las Vegas Resort & Casino on March 5-6, 2025. Nearly 300 youth archers representing 64 teams from 28 states gathered to compete for the prestigious title of “National Champion” in their respective classes and divisions. This event provided competitors with a world-class tournament experience and valuable preparation for the renowned Vegas Shoot. In addition to the competition, collegiate archery programs across the country contributed scholarship certificates, to be presented to Young Adult and Elite archers during the awards ceremony.

Among the standout competitors was Jadan Reed, whose passion for archery began at just four years old with the guidance of her father. After years of dedication, she honed her skills at Bucks and Bulls Archery, entering the competitive circuit at the age of seven. “Shooting a 300 at Vegas has been a lifelong goal of mine,” said Reed. “Even though I’ve won at Vegas before, I had never shot a 300. This year was incredibly special for me! Thanks to S3DA, I was able to compete in multiple local tournaments leading up to Vegas, which helped me refine my shot process and strengthen my mentality under pressure. All of the hours of practice paid off as I shot a 300 with 21 Xs to win the S3DA event, and then a 599 with 52 Xs, which allowed me to claim victory at the Vegas Shoot as well!”

Reed also emphasized the mental aspect of archery, saying, “Many people think archery is all about form, but the biggest factor is your mental game. I take hundreds of shots per week, but the majority of my practice is spent strengthening my mindset. This is crucial for those high-pressure moments in competition when everything is on the line. One of the reasons I love archery is because of the life lessons it teaches. To be successful, you must be motivated, committed, humble, confident, dedicated, and honest – qualities that extend beyond archery and into everyday life. Archery isn’t just a sport; it’s an educator.”

S3DA Executive Director, Holly Helton, praised the talent and dedication displayed throughout the event, stating, “The passion and perseverance of these young archers are truly inspiring. Watching these archers achieve their goals and set new standards in our sport is a testament to the power of hard work and the opportunities that S3DA provides. Events like these not only showcase incredible skill but also create lifelong memories for our participants.”

Archers, coaches, and families interested in learning more about S3DA, upcoming events, or how to get involved can visit the official S3DA website or follow S3DA on Facebook for the latest updates.