N’Dera Smith was all smiles after securing a podium finish at the Western Pennsylvania JOAD Indoor Shooter of the Year Finals.

The Bermudian archer finished runner-up in the under-21 women’s recurve competition, and sixth overall, after losing to rival Norah Butchy in the shoot-offs at Bill’s Archery Centre in Transfer, Pennsylvania, last weekend.

Smith, 19, was happy with her performance and thoroughly enjoyed the experience on her debut in the competition.

“I had a lot of fun and it was really great for my first time being in that archer of the year competition,” she told The Royal Gazette. “I enjoyed it and really had a lot of fun, so that’s all that really matters

“I’m not mad about the fact that I didn’t win and proud of the place that I came.”

The Westmoreland County Community College student is now poised to defend her under-21 women’s recurve title competing at the Pennsylvania State JOAD Indoor Championship – East & West this weekend.

“I’m looking forward to the championships, which I won last year, so I’m hoping for the same result this year and I’m confident that I’ll do well.

“I just have to use all my practice and helpful advice from my coaches and team-mates to my advantage. For example, slowing down and taking deep breaths, and honestly just make sure I have a strong finish to this season.“

Smith, who holds US citizenship, trains and competes as a member of Crowfoot Sportsmen’s Club and has already represented Bermuda at international events, including the Fall Harvest Star FITA tournament in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, and The Vegas Shoot in Las Vegas.

The former CedarBridge Academy student enjoyed her first taste of success abroad when claiming the silver medal in the women’s recurve junior division competition at the 2023 Fall Harvest Star FITA tournament.