Tatiana Samokhvalova

data science

muir College

Senior Nickname: Princess Recurve

2024–2026 SGA Competitive Team Member

Tanya started archery in 7th grade as she really liked the Hunger Games, Legolas, and Minecraft. She did it for a year casually in a local club back in Russia, then found Sun God Archery through flyers for the free workshops in freshman year of college. However, she finally took the chance to go to the workshops in junior year, where she enjoyed shooting enough to commit to joining the club.

After a bit of time in the club, she found herself stagnating in further improving her form, to the point where she felt discouraged. However, after continuing to persevere and show up, allowing herself to be happy with the small achievements, and not comparing herself to others, she regained her stride and continued to improve. With this experience in mind, she advises future members to just show up, not overthink things, and be themselves.

Additionally, Tanya states that “if you can afford it, going to competitions is 100% worth it”. She loved going to Westies and SIACC competitions for the team spirit. But, her favorite competition has to be the 2026 Vegas Shoot. She loved hanging out in between shooting sessions and going crazy about how the club kept winning all of the vendor prizes. It was also a chance to get to know some of the club members better.

Now, Tanya is figuring her life out by working and raising her child (aka, her pet cat). She is enjoying San Diego until she moves away for more work opportunities and life improvements, but will not be giving up on archery. She hopes to improve her coaching as an instructional assistant and hopes to be able to enjoy her 20s while they last. Congratulations on graduating, Tanya, and we hope to continue seeing you on the field!