Villages Charter School sophomore Chelsea McGowan placed first and second at two national archery competitions in Georgia and Texas, and is gearing up for another win at a state qualifier later this month.
Chelsea began archery about five years ago after visiting a cousin in South Florida. Her father Patrick, who runs a local landscaping company, said that he too began to pick up archery when his daughter insisted on taking up the sport.
It was not until after the whole family began archery that Patrick discovered that his own grandparents several decades ago were advocates of adding archery to the Olympics.
With an inherited gift in archery flowing through the family, it was no surprise that Chelsea would excel in the sport.
The teen archer works hard at improving herself for her first full year of competing. When she placed second in Texas last month, Chelsea maintained a level head as she exerted even more effort.
The work put into practice earned Chelsea a well-deserved first place this past weekend in Augusta, Ga. where she won by 16 points, according to her father.
“As of right now, she’s first place in Florida,” said Patrick in regard to Chelsea earning the highest points in her division.
The Villages High School has given a very positive response toward Chelsea’s accomplishments and the McGowan family is in the process of trying to establish an after-school archery program to have more youngsters involved in the sport.
While maintaining straight A’s, as well as placing on the honor roll and taking AP classes, the busy Buffalo definitely aims to attend a college with an archery program, specifically University of Florida.
Until then, Chelsea has her eyes set on doing well at upcoming competitions to impress sponsors and potential universities.
The family anticipates a busy summer filled with archery events in Kentucky, Illinois, Florida, and Georgia.
“I’m just super proud,” said Patrick.
