With her family and coaches Pirate cheerleader Isabelle Zimmerman recently signed her national letter of intent to continue her cheerleading endeavors at Indiana University Southeast.

Indiana University Southeast, a regional campus of Indiana University, is a four-year, public, comprehensive university located in New Albany, Indiana, just across the Ohio River from Louisville, Kentucky. Founded in 1941, it provides high-quality educational programs and services that promote student learning and prepare students for productive citizenship in a diverse society, and that contribute to the intellectual, cultural, and economic development of our region.

The IUS athletic department sponsors 10 (3 men / 4 women / 3 co-ed) varsity sports, competing at the NAIA level. Known as the Grenadiers, IUS is a member of the River States Conference (Formerly the Kentucky Intercollegiate Athletic Conference–KIAC), one of the oldest athletics conferences in the country which began its intercollegiate governance in 1916. The River States Conference has 13 member institutions representing five states — Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania and West Virginia. The Ohio River flows through the center of the geographic region of the conference and connects the five states.

When asked about her future with the IUS Grenadiers, Isabelle had this to say: “Cheering for Charlestown has honestly had a huge impact on my life. The people I was surrounded by were not only my team, but they became my family. Together, we all were prepared to drive ourselves towards the same goals as one. The past 4 years our team has accomplished so much, and I know for a fact, that’s something I couldn’t have done on my own. It’s because we were a team that knew how to work as one, that knew what it took, and knew you don’t earn your trophies at competitions but at practice. I was surrounded by great teammates and coaches that made our environment so positive. People I knew that were pushing me not only in cheer, but in life.  With my team we have been able to place top 5 each year we have competed at State, and I was also able to earn a spot on the Academic All-State Cheer team. And now, I will get to continue my cheer career at Indiana University Southeast where I have already been so warmly welcomed. As well as, I am excited to say I will get to be coaching Jonathan Jennings game day cheer team for the 2020 season! I am sad to see one door close, but so hopeful with this new door opening. Charlestown Cheer will always hold a place in my heart, and these will be memories I will never forget. Once a Pirate, always a Pirate.”

Cheer coach Katelyn Maymon said, “Isabelle Zimmerman has shoes that will be extremely hard to fill as she moves on to bigger opportunities as an IUS cheerleader. She’s a talented athlete, a true performer in front of a crowd, a kind and encouraging team member, and a stellar student. This year she earned a spot on the Indiana Association of School Principals’ Academic All State Cheer Team, and we couldn’t be prouder of her accomplishments in the classroom! She’s a true role model for our community, giving special attention to the young cheerleaders who look up to her! More than anything though, it will be difficult to replace her passion on our team. She truly loves this sport and she 100% effort 100% of the time! ”

The Charlestown Athletic Department and WPMQ, The Pirate Network wish to congratulate Isabelle and wish her a healthy and prosperous future!

Article and photo contributed by WPMQ staff.