A standout senior cheerleader who was a key member of Harlan County’s regional championship squad and state top 10 finisher in 2023, Heaven Hensley will take her skills to the next level. Hensley signed with Eastern Kentucky University on Wednesday in a ceremony at HCHS.
“We are extremely proud of Heaven for all of her hard work and dedication to the HC cheer program. She will be a wonderful asset to EKU. She is such an incredible athlete,” Harlan County coach Taylor Fields said. “She is a great leader and set great examples for others on the team. She has shown what you can accomplish with hard work, drive and dedication.”
The HCHS squad won numerous awards during Hensley’s career, including this year’s district championship, as well as UCA Bluegrass regional runner-up and UCA national qualifier in 2022 and UCA national finalist and third place in 2023.
“I’m beyond thrilled to be joining Eastern Kentucky University’s D1 Co-ed Cheerleading team. It’s truly a dream come true for me,” Hensley said. “Cheering at a Division 1 school has been a goal of mine since I was a little girl, and now that it’s becoming a reality, I couldn’t be more excited. Being able to continue my cheerleading career at such a high level is an incredible opportunity, and I can’t wait to be part of this amazing team. It’s a journey I’ve been looking forward to for so long, and I’m ready to give it my all and make unforgettable memories cheering for EKU. I couldn’t thank my past coach, Taylor Fields, enough for everything she has done for me. This would not be possible without her guidance. I will miss her and my amazing teammates at Harlan County, but I’m ready for the next level.”