This year marks the sixth time I have been fortunate enough to compete at The Vegas Shoot! Each year I learn new things about myself and about archery. I have met so many new friends, now as a veteran Vegas archer I have come to understand and appreciate this event even more. Our preparations started early in December with the usual training sessions in the video room, simulated scoring rounds and thousands of practice arrows. Doing all of this was worth it; it helped make my Vegas experience amazing.
My practice on Thursday, in Vegas felt like any other: set up bow, hang targets and warm up. There were no nerves, no anxiety in my mind; just excitement. Everything just felt like any other practice week, showing up and getting the job done. I shot my first few ends to sight in and immediately I could tell things were going well. I took two practice scores, this helped further build my confidence.
On the first day of competition all my shots felt strong, powerful and effortless. Everything felt great just like another day at home shooting arrows without a care in the world. When I look back there were no worries and my confidence was high the whole time.
It was strange but this year it felt like we had been in Vegas for a long time. The final day came and I was ready. There was a rush of excitement brewing within me, just 30 more arrows to go. My first half was amazing and felt effortless, only dropping 3 points. Then on end number 7 I shot a 26! When it happened all I could think is: What the heck just happened!? I quickly processed the information and put it aside and mentally reset. This worked well and I shot 3 more strong ends to finish the tournament!
I felt strong all tournament long, stuck to my tournament strategy and stayed in the moment while shooting. I couldn’t have asked for a better tournament. With the end of this year’s Vegas Shoot I have been privileged to make my fourth appearance on the podium and my third 1st place finish. During the awards ceremony nothing could have felt better or brought me down at that moment! I had done it!
I have many great people to thank for helping and cheering me on. Thank you Coach Bob and Mr Bull, Darrin, my friend and training partner Lillian, all the staff and teammates at Next Step Archery and my mama and little sister!
Thank you to my sponsors for supporting and believing in me: RamRods Archery, OCD Strings and The Nock Point
