LINTON — Most toddlers are just mastering a tricycle at age three, but for Linton native Mattingly Walker, that was the year she first picked up a bow. Now 14, her lifelong dedication has hit the ultimate bullseye: a spot on the USA Archery team.
Walker has been officially selected to represent the United States at the 2026 Pan American Youth and Masters Championships, held in Medellín, Colombia, from May 24–28.
Walker’s journey to the international stage accelerated in January 2026 when she officially joined the United States Archery Team (USAT). Her selection follows a dominant run in the newly established Compound U15 division—a category recently adopted by World Archery to showcase the world’s best young talent.
Her resume is already that of a veteran:
- 9-time State Champion
- National Medalist
- Currently ranked 2nd in the nation for Compound U15 women following her performance at the Indoor Nationals in Owensboro, KY.
While Walker has been a fixture in the Indiana archery circuit for over a decade, her path to Team USA was solidified during an outdoor shoot where her precision caught the eye of the USA Archery team head. Recognizing her elite consistency and form, she was invited to join the national developmental ranks.
Competing internationally is a prestigious but costly endeavor. As a self-funded athlete, Walker and her family have spent the early months of 2026 traveling to major qualifying and ranking events to maintain her eligibility, including:
- Gator Cup
- Buckeye Classic (Dublin, OH)
- JOAD Target Nationals (Lincoln, NE)
The upcoming trip to Medellín will see Walker face off against the top archers from North, Central, and South America. Medellín, known as a global hub for archery, has previously hosted seven stages of the Hyundai World Cup.
The Linton community has rallied behind their hometown hero. A local fundraiser was recently established to help the Walker family cover the high costs of international travel, tournament entry fees, and specialized equipment maintenance.
A special Archery Fun-Shoot on March 14th to support Mattingly Walker’s upcoming trip. 100% of the proceeds go directly to her, so come out, have some fun, and show your support.
Here are some of the mini-games lined up:
- Archery Poker: 3 shots, 3 cards—who’s got the winning hand?
- Balloon Stackup: Shoot your way to 21+ for a chance at the top prize!
Prizes include a $50 Gift Card and custom 3D-printed archery gear!
The event will be held at Straight Shooter Archery inside the Haute City Center. The event will begin at 4:00 p.m. The cost is $20.
“She has worked for years to earn this opportunity,” her father, Mike Walker, shared in a recent community update. “From a small town to big dreams, she’s ready to show the world what she can do.”
