Haskamp becomes first Batesville archer to shoot collegiately

It began as a hobby in sixth grade. Where archery could take her next

(BATESVILLE, Ind.) – Batesville senior Lydia Haskamp was one of the first students to ever sign up for the school’s archery club. 

She was a sixth grader during the inaugural year of the program and quickly fell in love with the sport. 

“I was just amazed how important it was to me, how fun it was, and how it didn’t require a lot of physical strength,” she said.

Her love for the sport was tested the next season. Haskamp was struggling with the bow as a seventh grader and admits that she considered quitting altogether. It was her mother who encouraged her to stick with it. 

“I am really thankful and grateful that I kept going because I wouldn’t be where I’m at today if I had quit then,” she said. 

Haskamp’s skills developed over the next five years and she became an integral part of a program that has earned statewide recognition. 

Her name is now etched in the record books as Haskamp is Batesville’s all-time top scoring female archer.

She is also the first Batesville Bulldog Archery member that will shoot collegiately. 

Haskamp will officially sign with the University of the Cumberlands on Friday afternoon. 

She's not only getting the opportunity to play, but has also earned a scholarship because of archery. 

“It is still so surreal that I get to do what I love to do in college, I know it isn’t the normal sports like basketball or volleyball," Haskamp said.

"It is amazing that this small, little thing that started in sixth grade has become such a huge part of my life,” she added.

Haskamp will have to master a new form of archery as she will be a member of the Olympic-Style Recurve team at the Cumberlands. 

It is a different bow than what she's used to, but she is ready for the challenge. 

“It’s a whole different game and I am really excited to start it because honestly, I am wanting something more difficult than what I have been doing,” she said. 

If Haskamp performs well in college, archery could take her to a place she never imagined back in sixth grade:

The Olympics as a member of the Team USA.

“The possibility of going to the Olympics is enticing to me,” she added.

Haskamp also made a point to talk about her Batesville Archery Coach Mike Weiler. Listen here: