Bellefontaine’s Gracie Hood has earned one of the most prestigious honors in high school bowling.
Hood was named to the 2025-2026 Dexter High School All-American Team during Sunday’s Dexter Award Ceremony at the 2026 Junior Gold Championships in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
The annual honor recognizes just five female and five male high school bowlers from across the country who have demonstrated excellence in bowling, academics, leadership and community service. Applicants must have at least a 3.0 grade point average, submit an essay, provide letters of recommendation and highlight their achievements both on and off the lanes. Each All-American receives a $1,000 scholarship.
Hood’s selection comes after an outstanding senior season at Bellefontaine High School.
She won the 2026 Ohio High School Athletic Association Division I individual state championship, captured a sectional title and earned her second consecutive Central Buckeye Conference Kenton Trail Bowler of the Year award.
On the national stage, Hood has recorded top-10 finishes at the 2025 Junior Gold Championships, the High School Bowling National Championship and a Professional Women’s Bowling Association Regional event. During the 2025-2026 season, she also rolled a 788 series, setting an Ohio state record.
Away from competition, Hood carried a 4.146 grade point average while participating in the French Honor Society, orchestra and HOSA. She is also a USBC Bronze coach, volunteers her time helping young bowlers develop their skills, donates bowling equipment to youth in need and promotes the sport through social media.
This fall, Hood will continue her academic and bowling career at Mount Mercy University, where she plans to study nursing.
The recognition comes during one of the largest youth bowling events in the world. The 2026 Junior Gold Championships are being held July 11-18 in the Minneapolis area, bringing together thousands of the nation’s top youth bowlers to compete for national titles, scholarships and spots on Junior Team USA. The tournament is considered the premier event in youth bowling and serves as a launching pad for many of the sport’s future collegiate and professional athletes. Hood will begin competition on Monday
Hood’s selection to the Dexter High School All-American Team places her among an elite group of student-athletes recognized not only for their accomplishments on the lanes, but also for their dedication in the classroom and their impact on their communities.
