John Carroll Student Excels on National Archery Stage

Submitted by: John Carroll Catholic High School 

June 27, 2022

One John Carroll Catholic High School student will have a special interest in the 2022 World Games Archery Competition being held at Avondale Park, July 8-15.  Rising sophomore, Veronica Walker, was an early adopter of the sport of archery, and has been growing on the local, regional, national, and international stages in the junior division of the sport for several years.  Veronica competed for the US at the World Archery Continental Qualifier Event held in Medellin, Colombia, in November 2021, where she finished 15th among the world’s best, in her division, in the Compound Event.  Additionally, this past March, USA Archery announced Veronica as a part of The Regional Elite Development (RED) Program for 2022.  The athletes selected for the program are among the country’s most talented up-and-coming youth archers and are dedicated to pursuing the dream of representing USA Archery on the world stage.  

Veronica, a St. Francis Xavier Middle School graduate, became interested in archery after attending Girl Scout Camp when she was 11 years old.  In addition to competing with the Regional Elite Development Team through USA Archery, Veronica competes with the Hoover Archery Team.  The city of Hoover started an archery program in 2013 and it is run by the Hoover Parks and Recreation Department.  

“I’ve enjoyed getting to know so many of the archers throughout our region and country. It’s such a great community of people,” said Veronica.  When asked what she thought it took to excel in the sport she added, “There are so many little things to focus on and there is a lot of muscle memory involved.  It really challenges athletes mentally and physically.” 

It takes many hours of practice and a commitment to travel to grow into a top archer.  Veronica practices 2-4 hours every other day and she shoots approximately 72 arrows during a practice session.  Travel can also include frequent visits to Mt. Juliet, Tennessee, for sessions with her coach, Laval Dee Fawlks, owner of World Class Archery.  However, the goal of having more opportunities to represent the USA at events such as the World Games spurs her on towards becoming an elite archer and keeps her motivated through the commitment of time and travel.  “It was amazing to go to Colombia to represent the US.  It would be awesome to be a part of the World Games or even the Olympics when I’m older.” added Veronica. 

Those interested in catching the Archery Competition in the 2022 World Games in Birmingham, AL, can purchase tickets by visiting twg2022.com.  Additionally, visit www.hooveral.org to learn more about the Hoover Archery Program offered through the Hoover Parks and Recreation Department.  

(Veronica is pictured below, 5th from left, with archers from the USA that competed in Medellin, Colombia, in November 2021)