On most days, Campbellsville University archer Colin Miller is focused on one thing: consistency. In a sport where the smallest movement can change everything, each shot requires control, patience and focus. But for Miller, archery has become about much more than precision. It has become a source of identity, growth and faith.
“I got into the sport of archery in the third grade,” Miller said. “My parents really wanted me to get out and get active.”
The early decision came down to a simple choice between two very different sports. Miller’s parents encouraged him and his sister to play sports, and with archery, a passion sparked.
“It was either baseball or archery, which would have sent me down two very completely different paths,” Miller said. “We decided to go with archery because that was when the Hunger Games movies were coming out.”
What started as a childhood activity quickly developed into something more meaningful. Through years of competing and practicing outdoors, Miller found a deeper connection.
“It was something that would connect us with nature, and by extension, would connect us with God and our faith,” Miller said.
When Miller arrived at Campbellsville, he described himself as someone who was generally more reserved. That began to change through his involvement with the archery team.
“CU archery really brought me out of my shell,” Miller said. “We stick together and look out for each other.”
The team culture has played a major role in shaping Miller’s experience, but the sport itself presents constant challenges, especially mentally.
“Archery is a mental sport, so the big thing is staying consistent, staying hydrated, keeping active and moving to the best of your ability,” Miller said.
One of the most defining moments of his career came during a national competition, when he lost a key piece of equipment before shooting.
“I had people from every single university represented come up and just offer a release,” Miller said. “I had so much calmness and support around me. It was like ‘Wow, God’s got me.’”
Like many athletes, Miller has also faced burnout; nevertheless, it continues to reshape how he approaches the sport.
“It is not about the reps, it isn’t about the shots and it isn’t about the score,” Miller said. “It’s about going out there and having fun. If you do not do that, then frankly, what’s the point?”
Miller’s impact on his teammates is clear to those who practice and compete alongside him. Gabriel Cunha, a junior archer at Campbellsville University, described Miller as a constant source of focus and guidance.
“He’s such a willing-to-learn guy,” Cunha said. “He’s fun to be around and always great to talk to whenever you need someone.”
Even when they are not always practicing side by side, Cunha emphasized how often teammates turn to Miller.
“He’s just the guy that you always look to for information,” Cunha said. “If you need information, you either go to coach or Colin.”
Cunha also emphasized Miller’s calmness and focus in competition, noting the quiet routines he uses to stay focused.
“I’ve seen him pray between shots, just so he can really try and find that strength,” Cunha said. “Sometimes he can just take a moment and maybe close his eyes.”
That composure carries into his overall approach to the sport.
“He treats every day like the same day, whether he has a good or bad day,” Cunha said.
Beyond that consistency, Miller’s ability to lead by example stands out to most of his teammates.
“There was one time in practice that I don’t think he was missing a beat, and he was so casual about it,” Cunha said. “An hour and a half straight of him so locked in, pretty much hitting as close to a bull’s eye as you can get.”
The same growth and leadership have been evident to CU Head Archery Coach Paul Eastridge, who has seen Miller develop throughout his collegiate career.
“He was one that never went with the crowd, that’s for sure,” Eastridge said.
Just like most archers, Eastridge noted that Miller’s biggest challenges came mentally.
“A lot of times he’s his own worst enemy,” Eastridge said. “He’s learning to calm his mind and get rid of the ‘what ifs.’”
Over time, that mental block has improved, allowing Miller to better handle pressure and competition.
“That first year there was no handling it… he didn’t have a system,” Eastridge said. “He has learned how to channel… he deals with things much better.”
Eastridge also recalled a defining moment at Indoor Nationals in Owensboro that shows just how far Miller has come.
“He kept hunting for something to be wrong, he wanted something to be wrong so bad,” Eastridge said. “He finally got out of his head and got the high score of his career… he was grinning and dancing around in a circle. That was where it finally all came together.”
Eastridge pointed to Miller’s growth beyond performance, specifically how he interacts with teammates.
“Before, he would be the one sitting over there and not saying anything,” Eastridge said. “Now he’s right there in the middle of them… he’s never met a stranger.”
In addition to his development as an athlete, Miller has made an impact through his faith and leadership within the team.
“He’s involved in campus ministries… he’s pretty good at having something supportive to say for the team,” Eastridge said.
As Miller prepares for life beyond college competition, Eastridge believes his mindset will continue to guide him.
“He’s goal-oriented,” Eastridge said. “He gets a path in his mind… it’ll be interesting to see how he takes care of that and reaches for that.”
Now, as his collegiate career winds down, Miller carries the lessons that extend beyond archery.
“It is one shot at a time,” Miller said. “If something bad happens with one shot, you take it to the next. That’s something that I took through life with me.”
