Taking His Shot

Eatonville’s Bodie Turner is on of the world’s best compound archers at age 18

By Rick Stedman

Many who know Bodie Turner would
classify him as a straight shooter—literally,
due to his archery prowess. When the
18-year-old bids farewell to Eatonville
High School on June 7, he will likely
acquire another moniker—the graduate
who took the road less traveled, as he looks
to become the best archer in the world.
“I compete against the best shooters
in the world,” he says. “I have competed
all over the country, and won the largest
tournament in the world twice in the last
four years.”
There are roughly 70 colleges around
the country offering archery scholarships,
but Bodie isn’t applying for a college
scholarship anytime soon. He has already
competed as a professional archer, and will
pursue archery full time after graduation.
“I don’t feel like I will be missing out on
life by not attending college,” Bodie says.
“The things I enjoy doing don’t involve
being around school or being associated
with school. Going to college would hold
me back from what I want to do with my
life.”
Archery has played a large role in
Bodie’s life since he was a toddler. His dad,
Joel Turner, has also enjoyed archery all
his life.
“Bodie began shooting arrows when he
was just 10½ months old, and he harvested
his first deer when he was 6 years old,” Joel
says. “For Bodie, archery became more
than a sport. It was his first classroom in
understanding the mind’s power.”

Numerous Accomplishments
Bodie’s interest in and devotion to archery
have yielded huge successes.
The Vegas Shoot is one of the biggest
events in compound archery. Bodie won
the event twice, in 2022 at age 15 and again
this spring. Winning the event comes with
a hefty paycheck.
In compound archery, competitors
shoot at a target from 20 yards away, with
the center ring just larger than the size of a
penny. Bodie has shot a perfect 660 three
times, meaning he’s hit the center ring 60
times in a row.
In Eatonville, the soon-to-graduate
senior carries a 3.76 GPA and regularly
shares his expertise with younger students
interested in archery. He recently spent
time volunteering to assist Eatonville
Middle School teacher Erik Danielson,
who was introducing an adaptive archery
class to students.
“His expertise is unbelievable, and
there is simply no bragging at all from this
young man,” Erik says of Bodie. “His name
is very well known around the country in
archery circles, but he is still very humble,
as well as an inspiration to all archers.”
Bodie and Joel also shared their teaching
skills with the U.S. Paralympic Archery
Team a few years ago in Salt Lake City.
“I was totally inspired and enjoyed that
opportunity,” Bodie says.
While Bodie has done a great deal in
his young life, he knows exactly what he’s
doing and who got him there.
“I have only my parents—Joel and
Sarah—to thank for my success,” he says.
“They got me into the sport and have been
extremely supportive in everything I’ve
done since.”

Fellow Archers Reflect
Emmy Lay, who attended EHS with Joel, is
also an avid archer and instructor assistant
at the middle school.
“After watching Bodie teaching the
EMS students, I was impressed with his
gentle reminders on form and technique,”
she says. “One student didn’t realize
how skilled Bodie was and tried to tell
him the correct way to do something.
Bodie took the comment in stride,
and gently explained the why behind
certain techniques, followed by a brief
demonstration to illustrate his point. He’s
never arrogant about his vast knowledge
and always shows mutual respect in every
interaction.”
Fellow archery instructor assistant
Karolyn Seroshek also speaks highly of
Bodie. “He’s an all-around great

and down-to-earth kid who has a lot going for him,” she
says. “He’s so good with the kids as well. It
was a pleasure to see him in action!”
Even EHS Principal Amy Sturdivant
says Bodie stands out for his work ethic
and willingness to support others
“Without ever seeking the spotlight, he
earns the respect of his peers and sets a
great example,” she says. “He reflects the
best of our school and community, and
we are proud to celebrate him and his
accomplishments.”
Joel often describes his son as having an
old soul.
“There’s no better description for Bodie,”
Joel says. “He’s young and very smart and
wise beyond his years. And his future looks
bright.”
Not many have decided on a life plan
when they graduate from high school, but
Bodie has.
“I intend to stay in the archery industry
as long as I can, and I hope to be in the
industry my whole life,” he says.