The Vegas Shoot brings archers from around the world and is the largest archery event in the world. This weekend Gabi did something I hope she remembers for the rest of her life. She is the new 2017 Vegas Shoot Champion – Recurve Cub Female division. Gabi shot a 284 on Friday and 282 Saturday, it was close all the way through. Official score 566 with 10x. Her friend Madison shot a 558 7x for 2nd and Jinny took 3rd with a 545 10x. These three young ladies were all fun and games and at the end of the day it really didn’t matter what the scores or placing were. They talked about Anime, funny things that happen at school and anything but archery and competition. They talked about how scary it was to stand in front of thousands of people to be presented with awards and if their hair looked good.

The funny thing is Gabi was so focused and has been coached so well by Next Step Archery that she didn’t even know she won. Gabi had to ask another coach from a different team how she was doing. At the end of the tournament her team was there to give her hugs and congratulations. It was the most endearing thing I have witnessed. There were tears of joy from fellow teammates, me, from Coach Karin. It was pure excitement, joy, shock, relief!

Thank you to Next Step Archery, The Nock Point, Darrin Barry, Bobby Hickey, Bill Hickey, Coach Josh, Coach Karin, Coach Rob, Faith, Coach John, Coach Timm, the Hoon family coaches and the crew at NSA, NP, the entire Team, mama and Gracie.

Tonight I am saying, so grateful Gabi let me be part of this experience. So proud to see her climb to the top step. Tonight she is a Vegas Champion!