Elite Next Gen: Kaci Therrien

They define what it means to "Join The Movement" with Elite Archery, and they're already turning heads in their careers. In this new blog series from Elite Archery, hear from the next generation of archers on their goals and what they're doing to achieve them.

***

Name: Kaci Therrien

Shop Name: ACE Pro-Shop & Archery Range in Social Circle, GA

Hometown: Loganville, GA

Coach: Steve Pittman

My Bows: Elite is my bow of choice and since I have a few, I like to name my bows! My first target bow was an Elite Spirit 35. I eventually was able to move up to an Elite Victory 37. I had a white one (aka Candy Cane) that I used for target shooting and converted to my 3D bow, and a red one (aka Big Red) which is now my hunting bow. Earlier this year, I got the new Elite Echelon 37 (aka Dixie or Angel) and I love this bow so much. Then I was lucky enough to be able to get one of the limited Independence Series Echelon bows (aka Anthem). I can’t even say enough how much I love and have enjoyed shooting every Elite bow that I own. 

My Accomplishments:

• NFAA Indoor State 5-spot - 2nd place (2016)
• GAA Indoor 25 meter State Championship - 1st place 2016 and 2017
• GAA JOAD 18 meter State Championship -  2nd place (2018), 3rd place (2016 and 2017)
• GAA 18 meter Indoor State Championship - 3rd place (2018)
• USA Archery JOAD Indoor Nationals -  ranked 13th (2018), ranked 21st (2017), ranked 26th (2016) 
• Lancaster Classic Youth Trophy Division - 3rd place (2018)
• NFAA Vegas Shoot - ranked 19th (2018), ranked 44th (2017)
• GBAA Indoor State Championship - 1st place (2017)
• NFAA Indoor Nationals - ranked 18th (2018), ranked 38th (2017)
• GAA State Outdoor Championship - 1st place (2017 and 2018), 3rd place (2016)
• GBAA Outdoor State Championship 900 Round - 2nd place (2018)
• USA Archery Outdoor Nationals - competing here July 2018, ranked 16th (2017)
• GBAA State 3D Championship - 2nd (2016 - 2 tournaments same year)
• S3DA State 3D - Refuge - 2nd place (2018)
• GAA Georgia Cup - 1st place (2018)

Ever wondered where your archery career would or could take you?

So many kids in archery dream of being Pros and winning big tournaments, I know I do! I would love to be able to shoot for Elite as a Pro Staffer someday, and win big tournaments. To any young archers looking to achieve goals kind of like mine, don’t expect perfection.

No archer or any athlete will always have their best day every time they compete. When you don’t have your best day, make it a learning experience.  Ask yourself some questions like these:

• Did I perform to the best of my ability?
• What did I learn that will help me do better next time?

On days when I struggle, I think about what part of my shot felt good and focus on the positive rather than the negative. I think about my steps and then just try to relax. One of the best ways for me to relax is hanging out with archery friends. This is another thing that helps me get out of my head and back in the game.

Use your not-so-great days to learn more about your archery and how can you improve. Honestly, never expect a perfect score, and always be proud of how you did no matter what! Archery is all about making friends and having fun!

“For God has not given us the spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind” II Timothy 1:7

Are you Elite Archery's Next Generation? Submit your story by clicking this link.