Coach KiSik Lee (left) with 5x Olympian, 3x Olympic medalist Brady Ellison.
After 18 years and five cycles of the Olympic Games, National Head Coach KiSik Lee has announced his retirement from USA Archery at the end of the year. Coach Lee’s departure marks the end of an era characterized by remarkable achievements, innovative coaching techniques, and a legacy that will live forever in the history of archery in the United States.
In January 2006, Coach Lee was the most sought-after archery coach in the world when he took the National Head Coach position at USA Archery. Since then, Coach Lee has transformed the landscape of archery in America. Under his leadership, Team USA has consistently performed at the highest levels in international competitions, including the Olympics, World Championships, and World Cup events.
Coach Lee's tenure at USA Archery comes after a storied career that began long before his time here. Originally from South Korea, Lee's coaching prowess was first recognized on the international stage when he coached the Korean national team to numerous victories in the 1980s and 1990s.
His move to Australia and subsequent success with their national team further solidified his reputation as one of the foremost archery coaches in the world. He continues to be one of the most highly regarded coaches worldwide.
At the helm in the United States, Coach Lee developed a biomechanically engineered approach to shooting technique, which became USA Archery’s “National Training System” and was taught to thousands of coaches and countless archers through the years.
He developed equipment, published several highly regarded archery books, coached workshops, seminars and led coaching for USA Archery high performance programs including the Junior Dream Team and Resident Athlete program.
In addition to pioneering resources and education for coaches, Coach Lee also worked directly with hundreds of the nation’s most promising archers to raise the level of talent in the United States.
Since Coach Lee took the reins, USA archers have won well over 300 medals on the Archery World Cup circuit - more than any other nation - with nearly half of them being gold. USA won three Olympic medals between 2012 and 2016, two recurve gold medals at the Archery World Championships and international titles in Indoor, Field, 3D and Youth championships via archers coached by Lee. Coach Lee made history when he was awarded Best Olympic Coach of the Year by the USOPC in 2019.
“Coach Lee is the best there has been,” shared five-time Olympian Brady Ellison. “He started working with me in the 2006 and built one of the most winning archers of all time. It was not just his technical knowledge that shaped my career. He helped me grow up as a person and helped shape me into the man I am today and for that I will be forever grateful.”
“Coach Lee's contributions to USA Archery are immeasurable,” said Rod Menzer, USA Archery, CEO “His dedication, expertise, and passion for the sport have elevated American archery to new heights. He has not only developed world-class athletes but has also inspired a generation of archers and coaches. We are profoundly grateful for his service and wish him the very best in his next chapter.”
USA Archery’s Assistant National Head Coach, Chris Webster, who worked alongside Coach Lee for several years, echoed Menzer’s thoughts: “Coach KiSik Lee is truly someone I will miss working with. Whether through guidance, encouragement, or leadership, Coach Lee has undoubtedly made a positive impact on USA Archery and Team USA.
"His dedication and support inspired those around him to strive for their best. Here’s to Coach Lee for his contributions to USA Archery and the growth of world class archers in the USA. I wish him all the best and nothing but success with his future endeavors! Thank you, Coach.”
Coach Lee’s decision to leave USA Archery this year follows great personal tragedy that has shifted his priorities to family at a difficult time. Reflecting on his time in the U.S., Coach Lee expressed his gratitude and pride in the accomplishments of his athletes. “It has been an incredible journey,” said Lee. “I am deeply thankful to USA Archery, my colleagues, and the many athletes I have had the honor to coach. Watching them grow and succeed has been very rewarding. I look forward to seeing the continued success of USA Archery in the years to come.”
As USA Archery begins the search for a new national head coach, the organization remains committed to maintaining the high standards set by Coach Lee. The future of American archery looks bright, bolstered by the strong foundation he has built.
Thank you, Coach KiSik Lee, for your extraordinary service and dedication. Your legacy will continue to inspire and guide the future of archery in the United States and beyond.
– USA Archery
Editor’s Note: Archery competition begins today with the both the Women’s and Men’s Individual Ranking Rounds. The full daily schedule for the 2024 Paris Olympic events is available here.
