Hendrickson excited to cheer at the next level at Missouri State

Louisburg’s Jolie Hendrickson (middle) signed her letter of intent to cheer at Missouri State University this coming fall. Seated (from left) is her brother Johnny, her father Colby, her mother Elektra and her sister Ariel. Standing (from left) are former Louisburg coaches Angie Barber and Marissa Morrow.

Ever since Jolie Hendrickson picked up her first pair of pompoms, cheerleading was something she knew she wanted to do for a long time.

That included being able to cheer at the college level. Now, she is going to get that chance.

Hendrickson signed with Missouri State University earlier this spring and she is excited to have the opportunity to continue her cheer career.

“It was very fulfilling to be able to sign to cheer at the college level because it meant that I had stuck to my word and fulfilled my goals,” Hendrickson said. “I have always wanted to cheer in college since I was in third grade, but senior year reality hit me and then I started pushing myself to practice for tryouts.”

Trying to find the perfect fit for herself wasn’t always easy, but when she took the visit to Missouri State, she found a home that provided her with the opportunity to cheer at the Division I level.

Hendrickson will be on the sidelines for football, volleyball and basketball games and she is excited for it to get started.

“I could tell Missouri State was the right fit for me because the coaches and girls were very welcoming and supportive,” Hendrickson said. “It is hard to find that in the cheer world. Recently, our program got a new assistant coach. He is conditioning us like crazy to prepare us for the D-1 cheer intensity.”

Hendrickson had a lot of success with Louisburg cheer, including being a part of the state championship team her freshman season. 

“I feel that my time with the Louisburg program helped me get ready for the college level by giving me the ability’s to adjust to work with anyone,” Hendrickson said. “The Louisburg cheer team helped develop my perseverance to attain my cheer goals.”

Even with all the success she experienced at high school, she knows college cheer is at a different level. However, Hendrickson is ready for the challenge.

“They said I am a good fit with my positive attitude and my drive to achieve our team goals,” Hendrickson said of her new team. “My goals once I get on campus is to keep up with the veteran cheerleaders. I am excited to work up to their level.”