2025 Union Archery Season Preview

BARBOURVILLE, Ky. – Union Commonwealth University archery opens the 2025 season aiming to build on its growth and contend on the national stage. 

Head coach Robert Dunaway enters the year with high expectations for his program.

"I have huge expectations for our team this year. I've assembled a group that should bring us many podium finishes and national championships," Dunaway said. "Several of my freshmen and transfers are quickly emerging as leaders, but I believe our new graduate assistant, John Shelby Stephens, will step up and be the one who helps bring everything together."

Stephens echoed that optimism as the Bulldogs wrapped up preseason training.

"Our preseason has been going really well," Stephens said. "We've got a lot of new freshmen who are heading in the right direction, and our upperclassmen have been stepping up to help guide them. The team's excited to see what the season holds."

Dunaway praised the progress he has seen in training.

"Practice has been great this year. We've been blessed with beautiful weather, and several of my sophomores have shown tremendous improvement," he said. "I'm really looking forward to the future with this group."

Team leader Ruthie Masengale agreed, noting the importance of veteran leadership during preseason.

"Our preseason has been going really well," Masengale said. "The freshmen are buying in, and the upperclassmen have done a great job guiding them. We're all excited to see how that carries over into competition."

Stephens also reflected on what it means to step into a leadership role.

"For me, it's about leading by example in practice and keeping things positive," Stephens said. "If someone's struggling, I'll try to encourage them or share something that's worked for me. At tournaments, I want to help keep everyone calm and focused, because nerves can get in the way. Sometimes just having someone cheer you on makes all the difference."

Union opens its 2025 Archery season Friday, Sept. 19 , at the USA Archery 3D Collegiate Regionals, hosted at Laurel County Fairgrounds in London, Ky.