Isabella Santiago ’26 to Cheer at the Division I Level with Mount St. Mary’s University
Bella Santiago, senior at Archmere Academy, made history on Wednesday, November 12, when she was the first Archmere student or graduate to sign a letter of intent to pursue collegiate Cheerleading. Bella will be a member of the Division 1 Mount St. Mary’s cheer team next fall. Mount St. Mary’s University is a private, liberal arts, Catholic university in Emmitsburg, Maryland, with a satellite campus in Frederick.
Prior to focusing solely on cheerleading, Bella has ten years of dance experience spanning different genres, including ballet, pointe, tap, hip hop, jazz, and lyrical. This background provided her with a solid foundation in cheerleading. With six years of cheerleading experience total, Bella concentrated the last four years with Archmere on her role as “flyer”.
“Gameday cheerleading is my passion. I love the feeling of camaraderie with my teammates and the ability to bring my energy to the sidelines. I’m excited for the opportunity to transition from football to basketball sidelines and incorporating some dancing into halftime routines.”
Over the last several years, Bella has volunteered at the annual Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk, bringing energy and positivity through her cheerleading for a very meaningful cause. Bella also volunteered her time with the cheer team at Archmere Academy Open House events, warmly welcoming prospective families. Additional school activities include the Community Service Club and the Rosary Club, and currently she is co-chair of the Mental Health Club.
In addition to the cheer team, Bella was also a pitcher and right fielder on Archmere’s softball team for two years.
A graduate of Fred S. Engle Middle School in West Grove, PA, Bella plans to major in Business with a concentration in Marketing at Mount St. Mary’s University.
Archmere Academy is a private, Catholic, college preparatory co-educational academy,
grades 9-12 founded in 1932 by the Norbertine Fathers.
grades 9-12 founded in 1932 by the Norbertine Fathers.
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