N’Dera Smith made a triumphant debut at the recent Pennsylvania State JOAD Indoor Championship - East & West.

The Bermudian archer won the under-21 women’s recurve title with her best score this year of 445 at the event, which was co-hosted by Bill’s Archery Centre and Ontelaunee Indoor Range last Saturday.

“The main thing I wanted to do was have fun,” an elated Smith told The Royal Gazette.

“I realise that when I have more fun with the competition I do a lot better, and I do think it really paid off in that direction.

“I am very happy with my score and very ready to see what the next season is, and what more I can do to progress better in this sport.”

Erica Jones won the silver medal with a score of 442 and Kyra Witmer bronze with a total of 341.

Smith, who also holds US citizenship, is now based in Pennsylvania where she trains and competes as a member of Crowfoot Sportsmen’s Club.

“I am very proud of my achievements this season,” the former CedarBridge Academy student added.

“I have seen a lot of growth and progress through talking to all of my coaches and team-mates, and I really do think that it is a very amazing opportunity to be able to compete in these competitions.”

The 19-year-old archer has already represented Bermuda at international events, including the Fall Harvest Star FITA tournament in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, and The Vegas Shoot in Las Vegas last year.

Smith claimed the silver medal competing in the Women’s Recurve Junior Division competition with a score of 342 at the Fall Harvest Star FITA tournament last November and achieved a personal best score of 457 at The Vegas Shoot nine months earlier.

The promising athlete competed in seven Western PA JOAD Indoor events during the past season and consults regularly with Bermuda based coaches Ross and Trina Roberts, who she also credits for her most recent success.