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Jul 31, 2026

NFAA Awards Pro Division Scholarships to Future Leaders in Archery

The NFAA is proud to announce the recipients of the 2026 NFAA Pro Division Scholarship, recognizing two outstanding young archers whose achievements extend beyond the shooting line. Awarded annually to one male and one female archer between the ages of 15 and 18, the scholarship honors students who exemplify excellence in academics, competitive archery, leadership, and service to their communities.

Funded through Professional Division membership dues, each recipient receives a $1,000 scholarship to support their educational goals. Eligible applicants must be high school sophomores, juniors, or seniors, maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher, hold a current NFAA membership, and actively compete in archery. Both professional and amateur archers are eligible to apply.

Applications are first reviewed for completeness by the NFAA Executive Secretary before being evaluated by a selection committee consisting of the NFAA President, NFAA Pro Chairman, and three professional archers appointed by the NFAA Pro Chairman.

Elizabeth Howe

This year's female scholarship recipient is Elizabeth Howe of Lakeside, California. An accomplished barebow archer, Elizabeth has earned numerous national records and tournament victories spanning the state, national, and international levels. She has paired her competitive success with exceptional leadership and community service.

At just 14 years old, she launched a three year initiative to establish a public outdoor archery range in her community. Working with local government, she developed a 30 page proposal, secured $150,000 in funding, and helped bring the project from concept to completion. Today, she continues to improve the facility while expanding access to the sport through free programming. She also coaches archers of all ages, helping introduce and develop the next generation of athletes. Reflecting on the completion of the community archery range she helped bring to life, Elizabeth wrote:

"On opening day, as I saw the faces of people stepping up to the shooting line, many for the first time in years, I realized I had hit a target that mattered more than my own achievements within the sport."

Elizabeth plans to attend Columbia University as the school's first recruited barebow archer while studying Political Science and Economics with the goal of pursuing a career in law and public service.

Asher Weittenhiller

The 2026 male scholarship recipient is Asher Weittenhiller of McKinney, Texas. A dedicated competitor, Asher is heavily involved in NFAA tournaments throughout Texas, regularly competing in both indoor and 3D events and earning numerous podium finishes. Through entrepreneurship, mentorship, and volunteer service, he has demonstrated a commitment to growing the sport and investing in others.

To purchase his first competition bow, Asher and his brother started a lawn care business that has grown to serve more than 30 families. Inspired by the coaches and mentors who shaped his own journey, he later founded Archers in Mission (AIM), a free youth archery program that teaches shooting fundamentals while emphasizing character, discipline, and service. He also serves his church as a youth worship leader and volunteers in community outreach programs. Throughout his essay, Asher emphasized the impact that mentors have had on his journey and his desire to provide that same encouragement to the next generation of archers.

"Along my archery journey I am grateful for many mentors and friends who have cultivated my passion for archery. This formative support in my early years of archery is something I would like to share with others."

Looking ahead, he hopes to continue competing while earning a degree in business and finance before opening a bow shop where he can mentor new archers and help grow the sport.

Celebrating Excellence

The NFAA congratulates Elizabeth and Asher on being selected as the 2026 Pro Division Scholarship recipients. Their dedication to academics, competitive archery, leadership, and service embodies the values of the NFAA and reflects the positive impact young archers can have both on and beyond the shooting line. To learn more about the NFAA's scholarship opportunities, please visit our dedicated Scholarships page. 

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