For Maverick Lewis, what began as a simple curiosity in 2021 has grown into something far deeper - an anchor, a connection, and a path forward.

At first, archery was about the fundamentals: focus, repetition, and the quiet satisfaction of incremental improvement. Like many athletes discovering the sport for the first time, Lewis was drawn in by the challenge and the discipline required to master it. But it didn’t take long for something more meaningful to take hold.

“I started taking archery seriously, practicing six days a week, setting goals, and traveling to tournaments,” Lewis shared. “Competing became a huge part of my life, and it pushed me to grow not just as an archer, but as a person.”

That growth wasn’t something he experienced alone.

His father, Brian Lewis, became an integral part of the journey. What began as support from the sidelines soon turned into a shared passion. Brian picked up a bow, and before long, the two were training, competing, and building a bond that extended far beyond the range.

“Archery became our thing,” Lewis said. “The place where we connected, pushed each other, and shared some of our best memories.”

In 2023, that bond was tested in the most unimaginable way. Brian passed away unexpectedly, leaving a void that reshaped Lewis’ world.

“Losing him changed everything,” he said. “I didn’t know how to move forward.”

But in the midst of that loss, archery became something different. It was no longer just a sport - it was a refuge.

“When I picked up my bow again, something shifted. Shooting gave me a way to breathe, to steady myself, and to feel close to him. The range became the one place where the world was quiet so I could heal.”

Each arrow became more than a shot - it became a moment of connection. The rhythm of practice, the stillness at full draw, and the focus required to execute each shot offered a sense of clarity in a time of grief.

Now, Lewis carries that connection with him every time he steps onto the line.

“I shoot to carry on the love my dad and I shared for this sport,” he said. “Being on the line reminds me of the time we spent shooting together, and it keeps that connection alive.”

That purpose has fueled his rise in the sport, including most recently gold in compound U18 men at the Easton Foundations Gator Cup, and culminating in the opportunity to represent the United States on one of the biggest stages in international competition - the Pan American Youth and Masters Championships, which run from May 22-28 in Medellin, Colombia.

For Lewis, wearing the red, white, and blue is more than a personal achievement. It’s a tribute.

“It’s a reminder of how far this journey has taken me, and how much of him I carry with me every time I step on the line.”

In archery, athletes often talk about finding their center - physically, mentally, and emotionally. For Maverick Lewis, that center is rooted in something deeper than competition. It’s found in memory, in resilience, and in the enduring bond between a father and son.

And every time he draws his bow, that bond endures.

For those inspired by stories like Maverick’s and interested in trying archery for themselves, becoming a member of USA Archery is a great place to start. Membership connects archers of all ages and abilities with certified coaches, local clubs, events and a nationwide community passionate about the sport.