A dream years in the making has become reality for Bellefontaine High School cheerleader Harper Penhorwood.
Surrounded by family, teammates, friends, and coaches, Penhorwood recently signed her letter of intent to continue her academic and athletic career at Bowling Green State University during a ceremony held in the Sloan Distance Learning Center at Bellefontaine High School.
Penhorwood said Bowling Green immediately felt like the right fit.
“The cheerleaders and coaching staff are incredibly friendly and supportive, making it easy to feel like part of a family on and off the mat.”
One of the most decorated cheerleaders in Bellefontaine program history, Penhorwood leaves BHS with an impressive list of accomplishments. She was named the school’s Most Outstanding Cheerleader four times, the most ever by a Bellefontaine cheerleader.
Her honors also include winning the CBC Jump Championship and CBC Tuck Championship in 2022, earning Honorable Mention CBC recognition in 2022, and being named Second-Team CBC in 2023.
In the classroom, Penhorwood maintained a 4.1 grade-point average and plans to study business at Bowling Green.
Reflecting on the milestone, Penhorwood said becoming a Division I cheerleader has been a longtime goal.
“I feel very grateful to have the opportunity to sign and pursue my dreams of becoming a Division I cheerleader. Becoming a collegiate cheerleader has been a goal of mine for as long as I can remember. Learning how to tumble at a young age, I have always had a love for the sport. I hope to get the opportunity to win a national championship with my team and perfect my skills.”
Bellefontaine varsity cheerleading coach Heather Storm praised Penhorwood’s dedication and commitment to the sport.
“Harper’s passion for cheerleading has fueled her hard work and dedication over the last six years to help her reach her goal of becoming a D1 collegiate cheerleader. It has been a pleasure to watch her story unfold, and I can’t wait to watch her succeed in her next chapter.”
Penhorwood also considered attending The Ohio State University before ultimately choosing Bowling Green.
