Cook Middle School Eighth Grader Earns Spot on 2026 U.S. Archery Team
Cook Middle School student Jia Sanja is bringing national attention to Cypress-Fairbanks ISD, having earned a coveted place on the 2026 United States Archery Team (USAT) in the Female Recurve U15 division.
Sanja, an eighth grader at Cook Middle School in Cypress, achieved the prestigious honor by accumulating ranking points through a series of high-stakes national tournaments. Her success in the Female Recurve category places her among the top young archers in the nation, earning her a spot to compete alongside the elite members of USA Archery — the organization that selects athletes for international competition, including the Olympic Games.
“From my first shot with a plastic bow on hay bale to representing the U.S. Archery Team, my journey has been incredible,” said Sanja. “Archery has shown me that when you aim with focus, confidence and passion, you can hit any goal you set your sights on.”
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In addition to her USAT qualification, Sanja was also named the Intermediate Female Recurve champion at the 2026 Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Archery competition, one of the region’s largest and most competitive youth tournaments. Her dual victories reflect not only her individual talent but also the strength of youth athletics in the greater Houston area.
The United States Archery Team (USAT) serves as a pipeline to international competition, including World Archery Championships and the Olympic Games. Composed of the top-ranking male and female archers across four divisions — recurve, compound, barebow, and fixed pin — USAT athletes are selected annually based on consistent, high-level performances at designated national tournaments sanctioned by USA Archery. To qualify, archers must demonstrate excellence in accuracy, mental toughness, and competitive consistency throughout the season.
Sanja’s inclusion on the team is a major achievement for the Cypress-Fairbanks community and provides inspiration to other young athletes pursuing non-traditional sports.
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“This is a huge accomplishment not just for Jia, but for Cook Middle School and CFISD,” said a school official. “Her discipline and commitment are inspiring — and she’s shown that our students can compete at the highest levels in any arena.”
As one of the youngest athletes representing Team USA in her division, Sanja’s achievement brings a sense of pride and excitement to Cypress and serves as a powerful reminder of the opportunities available to students in Houston's northwest suburbs. Her story may encourage more local youth to explore competitive archery — a sport growing steadily in popularity across Texas, thanks to programs in schools, local clubs, and organizations like USA Archery.
With Sanja now shooting among the nation’s best, all eyes will be on her as she begins her journey on the international stage — proudly representing both her country and her hometown.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
