This International Women’s Day, the World Archery Americas Gender Equity Committee proudly highlights four exceptional women whose service, leadership, and dedication continue to strengthen our sport across the region.
Through athlete performance, judging, coaching,and leadership, they embody the true spirit of “Let’s Give to Gain.” Their commitment reminds us that when women give their time, expertise, and passion to sport, the entire archery community gains in excellence, in integrity, and in opportunity.
Today we honour: Lisa Stovel-Rolle
Stovel-Rolle is the current president of the Bahamas Archery Federation and is one of the few women to hold this position.
Of the 166 member associations recognized by World Archery, only 17% have a woman as their federation leader.
Stovel-Rolle, who was elected in late September 2024, made history by becoming the first female president of the Bahamas Federation.
“It was a milestone not just for me, but for women and girls, and for the sport in our country.”
The Bahamian woman firmly believes that gender balance in sport, particularly in decision-making positions, is vital to its continued development.
“I have spent my life in sports—swimming, tennis, athletics, and more—and I have seen firsthand how female instructors can shape a discipline.”
“In archery, I’ve discovered that promoting women isn’t just about diversity; it is a strategic necessity for the sport’s survival.”
From Archer’s Mom to Federation Leader
Lisa Stovel-Rolle’s journey in archery is relatively recent.
For her, it all began during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, as a safe, socially distanced sporting alternative for her son LeRon, who had been playing soccer, track, and basketball.
“From his very first arrow, he was hooked; he never looked back at his old sports.”
At first, Stovel-Rolle accompanied her son to trainings and competitions, but little by little she became more involved in the sport and began to take an active role in it.
Instead of just watching the competitions from the stands, she decided to train to become a coach.
And after several months, the inevitable happened: she picked up a bow and arrow and started shooting.
“What started as a way to support my son quickly transformed into a passion that led me to become a national and regional competitive archer.”
In 2022, she won her first medals at the Merengue Cup Caribbean Development Championship, becoming the first woman from the Bahamas to win a medal in an international archery competition.
While traveling to compete in tournaments or attend training courses, Stovel-Rolle gained new perspectives and forged friendships that motivated her to take on an even more active role in her federation.
Encouraged by her son and her mentor from the Commonwealth Women Leaders in Sport program, she accepted the nomination as president of the Bahamas Archery Federation.
In addition to the presidency, Stovel-Rolle currently serves as head coach of the Bahamian national team.
Women in Leadership Roles
Although the number of women in sports is growing year by year, we are still far from achieving equal participation between men and women in archery.
Only one-third of athletes registered with World Archery are women, and this percentage decreases as one moves up the leadership hierarchy.
A report by the Women’s Sport Foundation shows that girls are more likely to stay in the sport when they have a role model.
However, these leadership positions are often viewed disapprovingly for women, as they are associated with something inherently masculine.
“I believe female leadership offers several distinct advantages”
Among the benefits highlighted by this woman from the Bahamas are: encouraging young athletes—especially girls—to stay active longer, improving decision-making, prioritizing mental health, and breaking down stereotypes.
“By occupying the “room where it happens,” we dismantle the old glass ceilings and prove that leadership isn’t a masculine trait—it’s a human one.”
“My goal is to ensure that the next generation of Bahamian archers—especially the girls—have a clear, paved path to follow, whether they want to be a champion athlete, a certified judge, or the next President of the Federation.”