Empowering Warriors Through Archery
Q&A with Warrior Games Coach Ed Lucero
By: Kayleigh Craft
The Department of Defense (DoD) Warrior Games is an annual adaptive sports competition that showcases the resilience and athleticism of wounded, ill, and injured service members and veterans. Participants compete in various sports, including archery, to promote recovery, rehabilitation, and a sense of camaraderie among the military community.
We chatted with Coach Ed Lucero, an Archery Coach for the Warrior Athletic Reconditioning Program in the Warrior Games. His expertise in archery profoundly impacts Wounded Warrior athletes. In this exclusive Q&A, he shares insights into his coaching philosophy, adaptive training methods, and the rewarding experiences that define his journey.
Magellan Federal is proud to have partnered with nine coaches in the 2024 Warrior Games to create a supportive and empowering environment, enabling athletes to thrive and showcase their resilience and skill on their road to recovery.
Q: Can you tell us a bit about your background and how you became involved in coaching for the Warrior Games?
A: My introduction to archery began unexpectedly at the age of 10. After suffering a burn injury on my left arm, my mother, seeking to lift my spirits, allowed me to choose anything from a local sporting goods store. I opted for a simple plastic recurve bow with three arrows. Over the years, I honed my skills through self-teaching and continued my journey with traditional wooden bows and, later, compound bows.
As an adult, I found myself drawn back to archery, this time not just as an archer but as a coach. I’ve had the privilege of coaching both youth and adult archers, witnessing their growth and success, including several who excelled at national competitions.
My involvement with the Wounded Warrior Program was a particularly meaningful chapter. During my tenure at the Easton Archery Center of Excellence in Chula Vista, CA, I worked closely with veterans, offering them the therapeutic benefits of archery. This experience led to coaching Marine Trials at Camp Pendleton in 2017, an engagement that has continued to inspire and enrich my journey in archery.
Through coaching and involvement in programs like the Wounded Warrior initiative, I’ve discovered immense satisfaction in helping others discover and develop their passion for archery, regardless of their background or the challenges they may face.
Q: How do you tailor your coaching approach for Warrior Games athletes?
A: Coaching Wounded Warrior athletes requires a thoughtful and individualized approach that acknowledges their unique experiences and needs. Here’s how I tailor my coaching approach:
- Person-Centered Approach: I prioritize getting to know each athlete personally. Understanding their background, challenges, and aspirations helps me establish a strong rapport and tailor my coaching to their specific circumstances.
- Building Confidence and Self-Improvement: I focus on drawing out each athlete’s unique strengths and capabilities. By emphasizing their progress and achievements, I help foster a sense of self-improvement and confidence, which are crucial for their development.
- Listening and Responding: Effective communication is key. I actively listen to their concerns, questions, and feedback. Addressing their technical queries and providing clear explanations helps build their knowledge and skill set progressively.
- Understanding Physical and Emotional Considerations: Recognizing the physical and emotional challenges Wounded Warrior athletes may face is essential. I adapt training plans and techniques to accommodate their specific needs, ensuring a supportive and inclusive environment.
By focusing on the person first, understanding their journey, and adapting my coaching methods accordingly, I aim to empower Wounded Warrior athletes to excel in archery and beyond, fostering their growth and enjoyment of the sport.
Q: How do you modify your training regimen so it is accessible for all athletes?
A: When coaching Wounded Warriors, I implement a modified training regimen centered around what I call the “Triage Shot Process,” focusing on five critical technical steps. This approach is designed to enhance the athlete’s understanding of effective techniques tailored to their individual needs and abilities. However, the overarching goal extends beyond technical proficiency; it emphasizes self-trust, avoiding overexertion, and maintaining a steady focus on breathing. Training under the “Triage Shot Process” involves a continuous cycle of learning and refinement. Athletes are encouraged to reflect on their progress, make adjustments, and consistently strive to improve their technique and mental approach. By integrating these principles into the training regimen, I aim to empower Wounded Warrior athletes to excel in archery and cultivate resilience, confidence, and a deeper understanding of their capabilities both on and off the field.
Q: What do you think is the most important element to adaptive sports coaching?
A: The most important element in adaptive sports coaching is individualization. Tailoring equipment to suit each athlete’s specific needs and capabilities. This requires an understanding of each individual athlete’s strengths, limitations, and preferences. Coaching in adaptive sports often extends beyond technical training. The core of adaptive sports coaching lies in recognizing and respecting each athlete’s individuality. By embracing diversity, tailoring coaching approaches, and fostering a supportive environment, coaches can empower athletes to achieve their fullest potential in adaptive sports.
Q: What advice do you have for others looking to incorporate overall wellness into their performance routines?
A: A coach should understand the athletes as individuals. Stick to the basics of nutrition and hydration and practice mindfulness or visualization techniques to enhance focus. Take a holistic approach to coaching that encompasses the team’s physical, mental, emotional, and social aspects.
Q: What was your most memorable moment from coaching at the Warrior Games?
A: One of my most profound experiences with the Wounded Warrior Program did not occur during the games but early in my journey at the training center in Chula Vista. I witnessed a powerful breakthrough during a session with the Marines focused on concentration techniques for novice archers.
Several Marines struggled with the mental aspect of archery, striving to achieve a state of focused calmness. The next day, one Marine approached me with an unforgettable revelation. He expressed his excitement about returning for another day of archery and shared a personal revelation with me: “Yesterday was the first time in two years that for 40 minutes, my mind was clear of troubling thoughts.”
His words underscored the profound impact of sports as therapy, illustrating how archery provided a therapeutic escape and a pathway to mental clarity. This moment reaffirmed the importance of my role as a coach, teaching archery skills and fostering a supportive environment where individuals can find peace and renewed focus amidst life’s challenges.
Kayleigh Craft, Communication Specialist at Magellan Federal, is an experienced marketing and communications professional with a track record of managing marketing projects, overseeing effective social media strategies, and coordinating successful trade shows. Kayleigh received her degree in Advertising with a concentration in Graphic Design at Ball State University.