The little shit still surprises me from time to time. We had a long conversation with her coach the other night about next month's State Outdoor Championships. The debate for tournaments lately has been which age division to register for. USA Archery rules allow for competitors to shoot up into higher age divisions.

Her coach and I went through all the scenarios. Shooting in her own age division of Bowmen, in all likelihood she would win, break her own state records, add another state championship to her shooter's resume and win a state championship for 3 years consecutive which we don't think anyone has ever done. Shooting up one division in Cub, she really doesn't face any competition.

Shooting up two divisions in Cadet becomes a whole different ball game. She'll be shooting at a longer distance against older teenage girls some of which are really good. These are some of the same girls she's known and looked up to ever since she's been involved in archery. These are also some of the same girls that really gave her a lot of attitude this past spring when she shot in the Cadet division for the State Junior Olympic Championships and took bronze.

After going through all the possible scenarios with the pros and cons of each we looked at each other and came to the same conclusion, why not ask what she wants to do. Her response,

"Isn't the point of a tournament to see how good you really are? Can I shoot in Cadet please?"

The amount of 'tude my daughter can display makes me proud and can also scare the hell out of me. This is one of those times it makes me proud.

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After going through all the possible scenarios with the pros and cons of each we looked at each other and came to the same conclusion, why not ask what she wants to do. Her response,

"Isn't the point of a tournament to see how good you really are? Can I shoot in Cadet please?"

Giving her the opportunity to decide for herself? Good for you and her coach. That alone undoubtedly builds her self-confidence, a quality which she already seems to have in abundance.

Her reply to the choice shows wisdom and maturity beyond her years. It must have been extremely gratifying to hear that response.

Good on you, her coach and her! We're cheering her on!

Maya is smart way above her young age,good job dad.

That girl has got some really good character. Maya is an example to young and old alike.

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The little shit still surprises me from time to time.

Well the local male population of her age had better grid themselves for what she'll be bringing to the dating table in a few short years!

I seem to remember Maya saying that she has enough trophies and that she needs to push herself to improve. She is mature and smart beyond her years.

Good job on all involved and good luck to Maya.

Smart kid. You're doing a great job. I hope she continues to improve and beats the pants off the older girls.

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Originally posted by Jimbo54:
I seem to remember Maya saying that she has enough trophies and that she needs to push herself to improve. She is mature and smart beyond her years.

Good job on all involved and good luck to Maya.

She said that last spring when we had a similar conversation. We had decided back then that she was going to shoot up in tournaments except for state championships. State Championships are a little bit of a different tournament and the titles do mean something. I gotta' give her credit, it means more to her to come in third or even not being on the podium knowing she did her best and losing to someone better than coasting to a win.

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Originally posted by 2000Z-71:
These are also some of the same girls that really gave her a lot of attitude this past spring when she shot in the Cadet division for the State Junior Olympic Championships and took bronze.

I hope she Kicks. Their. Asses.

"Isn't the point of a tournament to see how good you really are? Can I shoot in Cadet please?"

That is an outstanding attitude! Clearly a motivated young lady.

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Originally posted by wildheartedson0105:
"Isn't the point of a tournament to see how good you really are? Can I shoot in Cadet please?"

That is an outstanding attitude! Clearly a motivated young lady.

+1 Now that's the kind of attitude to have. Good luck Miss M.