Palisade Sophomore, Kylee McLaughlin, is the Athlete of the Week brought to you by Palisade Dino Mart. McLaughlin participates on the Palisade High School Cheer team where she is a base for the team. Cheer is a staple in McLaughlin’s life where she fell in love with it right from the start. “This is my tenth year as a cheerleader. I honestly don’t know why I started, but I fell in love with cheer when I was little and just never quit.” McLaughlin is a team captain on the team, resulting in one of her greatest accomplishments this season. To be a captain you must work your hardest and be committed to your team, which McLaughlin has definitely earned. She leads her peers through support and enthusiasm. “I believe I bring positivity, leadership, and guidance to the team.”
Throughout her cheerleading career, McLaughlin has been inspired by many things, but her ultimate inspiration are the ones closest to the heart, family. “My biggest inspiration is my older sister Kloey. She never gave up, cared for others, but still knew how to keep people in line and be a leader.” Ultimately, it is the memory of her sister’s strength, compassion, and leadership that continues to inspire McLaughlin, driving her forward in both cheerleading and life.
Through the inspiration from her older sister, McLaughlin has found it easier to thrive and connect with others. She has come to truly appreciate the camaraderie that cheer gives her. “My favorite thing about cheer is the sisterhood and the friendships among the girls. We face a lot of challenges together throughout the season, but we never give up.”
Jennie Stout is the head coach for the cheer team, where she stepped in this year. Stout is incredibly proud of the leadership role that McLaughlin leads and her resilience. “Kylee is super organized and knows exactly what is going on. She has a vision for the team and has a way to get there in a very routine manner. She has shown tremendous leadership in a new situation with a new coach.”
McLaughlin’s dedication and leadership make her a standout on the cheer team. With ten years of experience and the inspiration from her sister, she brings positivity and strength to her role as captain. Congratulations, Kylee McLaughlin for receiving Athlete of the Week!
