Mikayla Lewandoski, a junior at Southmoreland High School, recently won a competition at this year’s Pennsylvania State Archery Association’s State championships. She won this year’s state competition for her age division, 16 and said success in the sport often depends on self confidence.
“You have to go in with confident while shooting,” said Lewandoski. “Archery is 98 percent mental.”
Lewandoski started archery only two years ago at her 4H club. She wanted to “give something new” to her life, and archery is where it began.
At her very first practice she knew her love for the game was going to be forever. She said she was hooked and never expected to come this far. As her love grew so did her time with the sport.
Darrla and Lou Lewandoski, Mikayla’s parents, are very pleased to see her growth in the sport. Competition every
weekend really keeps the family busy.
“We didn’t know what to expect,” Mrs. Lewandowski said. “But we did know after that first  practice that archery would be her true passion.”
Every weekend the Lewandoski family travels from city to city just to compete. Lewandoski does not only compete individually, but also for her junior Olympic team that she has been a part of for the past year. Lewandoski practices every day for an average of two hours a day, but she doesn’t stop there. On the weekends she practices for eight hours a day.
“It is the will to win and beat my own personal score that keeps me pushing myself,” said Lewandoski.
Her parents are very proud watching her train every day. Lewandoski’s shooting skills is what really makes them proud. She takes each shot with confidence, which extends her growth in the sport even more.
Going into states, Lewandoski was confident. For only  being active in archery for two years, it was a something rewarding  and special to her. If it was not for the support of her coaches and parents, she said she would not be where she is today. One of her several coaches, Dennis Harrido, has been there since the start. He first began coaching her at her 4H club in Fayette County.
“You can see the passion she has,” said Harrido. “I only see that in very few, and she is one of them.”
Lewandoski enjoys having her coach by her side. States was Lewandoski’s biggest competition. She had won by a “significant number” in her division. Winning first place was a dream come true for Lewandoski.
This summer Lewandoski and her family will be traveling to Nebraska for this year’s national competition. There she will be competing with the best of the best.
“I know Mikayla has the will and ability to accomplish anything,” says Harrido.
With the support of her family and coaches, Lewandoski is prepping for Nationals. Practicing every day and having help is going to make a big difference in the upcoming competition and perhaps lead her to the gold.