By Paige Gurgainers
Glenbrook School senior Ella Heflin took the next step in her athletic career recently when she signed with the East Texas Baptist University (ETBU) Acro and Tumbling team.
A signing ceremony was held at 10 a.m. last Wednesday to celebrate Heflin’s commitment and a journey that has included years of dedication to cheerleading, powerlifting and track and field.
Heflin has been a member of the Glenbrook cheerleading program since third grade. Her years of training and commitment earned her recognition as an All-American Cheerleader in 2024.
She expanded her athletic career during her sophomore year by joining Glenbrook’s powerlifting team. During the 2024-25 season, she qualified for the regional meet. As a junior in 2025-26, she advanced to both the regional and state competitions, finishing seventh at the state meet.
Heflin began competing in track and field as a freshman, specializing in the discus. She earned the Girls Apache Award for track in 2024 before qualifying for the regional and state meets as a sophomore in 2025. She placed sixth at state that season and won the girls track MVP award.
She returned to regional competition during her junior year and was recognized as the girls track co-MVP in 2026.
Her experience across three sports has helped prepare her for acro and tumbling, a collegiate sport that combines elements of competitive cheerleading, gymnastics, tumbling and team-based acrobatics.
Heflin is not only a seasoned athlete, she has managed to maintain a 4.0 grade-point average and is also a member of the National Honor Society for 2025-27.
Beyond the classroom and athletic competition, Heflin is active in the First Baptist Church Minden youth ministry, where she serves as a small-group leader. In 2025, she surrendered to missions… a decision reflecting her commitment to serving others and following her faith wherever it may lead.
Wednesday’s signing recognized not only Heflin’s opportunity to continue competing at the collegiate level but also the academic discipline, faith and years of hard work that helped her reach this milestone.