Bellefontaine senior and standout bowler Gracie Hood has officially made her college decision. Earlier this week, Hood signed her letter of intent to continue her academic and athletic career at Mount Mercy University in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
The signing took place at T-P Lanes in Bellefontaine, where Hood was joined by her family, teammates, and coaches.
Hood said she chose Mount Mercy because she connected immediately with the campus atmosphere, the coaching staff, and the team culture. The Mustangs compete in the NAIA, and Hood plans to major in nursing.
A year-round bowler who started in elementary school, Hood has carved out one of the most decorated careers in Bellefontaine program history. She was named both the OHSAA Division I Bowler of the Year and the CBC Kenton Trail Division Bowler of the Year last season. She’s also a three-time First-Team CBC selection.
Hood holds numerous school records, including:
High game: 289
Two-game series: 558
Three-game series: 712
High average: 220
Alongside her athletic success, Hood has excelled in the classroom, maintaining a 4.1 GPA at BHS.
Her parents are Matthew Hood and Barbie Coppus.
Reflecting on her decision, Hood said she felt an immediate connection with head coach Andy Diercks and was drawn to the strength of the nursing program. “Everyone on the team was so welcoming, and the coaching is incredible,” she said.
Bellefontaine girls bowling coach Jane Kline praised Hood’s dedication and leadership.
“BHS has never had a girl bowler as dedicated to the sport,” Kline said. “Gracie has set a bar that will be hard to match. She’s a great teammate, always willing to try new techniques, and she never ceases to amaze me. Mount Mercy is lucky to have her. The best thing about Gracie is she’s as good academically as she is at bowling—she is a coach’s dream athlete.”
