Nurse or World-Champion Archer? Alexis Ruiz Proves You Can Be Both!

Alexis Ruiz is redefining what it means to pursue diverse passions. As a pediatric nurse and world-class archer, she has achieved remarkable success in two demanding fields. Her story is one of dedication, resilience, and a commitment to excellence that inspires those around her.

Nursing and Archery: A Unique Balance

Alexis Ruiz seamlessly blends two demanding careers: pediatric nursing and competitive archery. A graduate of Grand Canyon University’s nursing program, Ruiz works as a pediatric nurse at Phoenix Children’s, where she brings both compassion and focus to her young patients.

“My mom would tell me, when I was really little and someone got hurt, I was always the first one to go help,” Ruiz shared. This early inclination to care for others guided her decision to pursue nursing, despite the challenges of such a rigorous program.

A Passion for Archery

While nursing became her professional calling, archery has been a major part of Ruiz’s life for over a decade. What began as a family activity at the age of 10 evolved into a professional career, leading to international success. By 2017, Ruiz earned her first world title at the Argentina Junior World Championship. The following year, she made history as the youngest person to win the prestigious Vegas Shoot, an event she describes as “our Super Bowl.” “I had so much adrenaline, I can’t even remember shooting the arrows in the finals that I won,” Ruiz said. “I’m glad it’s all on video because I only remember the feeling after.”

Dedication to the Craft

Ruiz’s commitment to archery requires intense practice. She trains six to seven days a week, honing her technique by shooting targets from 55 yards away. “A lot of it is mental,” she explained. “It’s about figuring out what hasn’t been working or what is working, but you want to fine-tune it. After so long, there is no big changes to your equipment, but more so, those fine movements, because you are trying to be as perfect as possible to hit the middle.”

This dedication paid off in 2019 when she became the No. 1 ranked woman in compound archery after winning the Archery World Cup. Although compound archery is not an Olympic discipline, Ruiz continues to excel, saying, “The feeling of being onstage, there is nothing like it. It’s like a roller coaster. You get really amped up or scared to go on it. You are doing it, and your heart rate is super high, then you are done and step off the final stage and are like, ‘Wow, let’s go again!’”

Balancing Careers

Ruiz’s ability to balance her dual passions is a testament to her determination and time management skills. When she was accepted into GCU’s nursing program, she also received an invitation to compete in the Archery World Cup in Russia. “I couldn’t do both, and it was the hardest decision,” she said. Ruiz chose to delay nursing school for two years, using that time to earn two minors and continue competing.

When the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted international tournaments, Ruiz saw it as an opportunity to return to nursing school while still maintaining her archery skills. “I was taking red-eye flights and shooting for three hours after I got off the plane,” she recalled. Despite the challenges, Ruiz managed to excel in both fields.

Achievements on the World Stage

In 2023, Ruiz reclaimed her spot on the Team USA World Cup roster, winning gold in the compound mixed team rounds in Berlin and earning three gold medals at the Pan Am Championships in Medellín, Colombia. “Initially, this sport came second for me, and nursing came first, but now they are equal. I cannot imagine not doing one or the other,” Ruiz said.