Eden Van Zante showcased her archery skills at the 2025 Iowa National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP) State Tournament, earning an impressive 7th place finish out of 414 state qualifying archers. Her outstanding performance was highlighted by a personal best score of 287.
"This score is my personal best," Eden shared. "I started the season with a 284 that I shot at the first home tournament, and I am happy to be able to end the season with a personal record of 287."
Eden recalled the moment she realized she was closing in on a record-breaking score. "At the state tournament, I realized that I was putting up a good score during the 5th round. I realized that I hadn't missed a lot of points and that I might be able to get a personal record," she said. "My shooting time was Saturday morning, and I had to wait until Sunday afternoon to know how I actually placed, but my family and I were watching the scores come in and knew that my chances for a Top 10 finish were pretty good."
Eden began archery in 4th grade, inspired by her brothers who competed before her. Their support and encouragement sparked her interest and motivated her to pick up a bow.
"Before I started competing, I watched my brothers for a couple of years, and they helped me get excited to join the sport," Eden said.
Beyond the scores and rankings, what Eden cherishes most about archery is the camaraderie and friendships she's built along the way.
"What I like most about archery competition is the connections and friendships made at competitions and at practice," she noted. "I also enjoy the precision that it takes. In order to shoot in the high 280s, more than half your arrows need to be perfect 10s."
With the state tournament behind her, Eden is already looking ahead. She is considering participating in the National Tournament in Kentucky this May and is committed to honing her skills over the summer in preparation for her senior season starting in November 2025.
Congratulations to Eden Van Zante on her outstanding 7th place finish and personal best score.
Cheyenne Houk also shined in the 3D State tounanment shooting a perfect score of 50 during one flight of the 3D competition.
Jr-Sr High School Scores Bullsey Target
Eden Van Zante 287, Cheyenne Houk 272, Brody Ransford 270, Samuel Ouellette 265, Xavier Lobberecht 265, Trey Harland 260, Dakotoa Poe 257, Oliver Kraus 250, and Chandler Kirk 249
Elementary Scores Bullsey Target
Gideon Johnson 260, Ellen Woolsey 259, Gabe Hoy 253, and Jill Hoy 247
Jr-Sr High School Scores 3D Target
Cheyenne Houk 275, Xavier Lobberecht 275, Trey Harland 260, Dakotoa Poe 272, Sarah Dalbey 268, Amelia Eades 259, Chandler Kirk 247, Dakota Poe 246, Kylee Schmitz 224
Elementary Scores 3D Target
Kathrine Woolsey 260, Gabe Hoy 258, Ellen Woolsey 255, Jill Hoy 242, Jodelyn smith 239, Keagan Strothman 216
Congratulations to Rocket Archery Club State Participants. Excellent Job!!