Setting Her Sights High

Photographs courtesy of LaNola P.

Robin Hood of Sherwood fame makes it look easy to grab any old curved branch from the forest, wrap a string around both ends, and effortlessly shoot arrows into a target 50 yards off with the makeshift bow.

In reality, that kind of precision often requires mastery of some pretty complex technology on a modern bow. You start coming across terms like stabilizer, sight, clicker, and more. “My friends are sometimes shocked at all the gear,” says LaNola P., a 17-year-old from California with a true talent for archery. “It’s a lot harder than you would think.”

LaNola has been involved in archery since she was six years old, with her dad as her coach and shooting partner. Over the years she’s won competitions and set national archery records. Archery hasn’t been her only focus, however. She keeps the gospel at the heart of all she does, even when that means getting out of bed at 4:00 a.m. to attend 5:25 a.m. seminary. “The gospel allows me to keep things in perspective,” says LaNola. “I know my strength comes from Heavenly Father.”

LaNola has recently been accepted to the U.S. Olympic Training Center in Chula Vista, California. She hopes to compete in the 2016 Olympics. She also plans to continue centering her life on the Savior. As one example, LaNola chooses not to practice on Sundays, a decision many of her athletic peers can’t understand.

“I don’t think it hurts me in any way,” LaNola explains. “It’s my day of rest.”