Lady Chiefs’ Hood signs with Mount Mercy University

​An outstanding student and bowler has made her college choice.

Bellefontaine standout Gracie Hood signed her letter of intent with Mount Mercy University earlier this week.

She was joined by her family, teammates, and coaches during the signing ceremony at T-P Lanes in Bellefontaine.
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Hood chose Mounty Mercy because of the environment.

She liked the campus, coaches, and future teammates.

Mount Mercy is a private university located in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. The Mustangs compete in NAIA.

Hood, who started bowling in elementary school, has put together a banner career.

She was named the OHSAA Division I and CBC Kenton Trail Division Bowler of the Year last season.

Gracie has been named First-Team CBC three times.

She also holds the school record for high game (289), two-game series (558), three-game series (712), and high average (220).

Hood plans to study nursing.

Gracie has maintained a 4.1 grade point average at BHS while bowling year-round.

Her parents are Matthew Hood and Barbie Coppus.

Hood reflected on her signing, “I chose Mount Mercy after visiting the campus and talking to the head coach (Andy Diercks). I loved the campus and the nursing program. Everyone on the team was so welcoming, and the coaching is incredible.”

Bellefontaine girls bowling coach Jane Kline added, “BHS has never had a girl bowler as dedicated to the sport. Gracie has set a bar that will be hard to match.

“She is above all a great teammate, and she is open to trying new techniques to be even better. I have loved being Gracie's coach; she never ceases to amaze me with her talent. Mount Mercy is lucky she will be bowling for them next fall.
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“The best thing about Gracie is she is as good academically as she is at bowling! She is a coach's dream athlete.”