Those two words epitomize the journey that Muskogee High senior cheerleader Kaitlynn McGee has been on. Despite multiple health issues including six surgeries over the years, Kaitlynn has persevered and is now enjoying her first full year in some time of being relatively healthy to take part in cheer, both at MHS and her first year of competitive cheer and in track where she runs the 100- and 200-meter sprints and 4X100 and 4X200 relays.

“When I was young, I did some gymnastics but had always said I was never going to be a cheerleader. But in seventh grade one of my friends asked me to try out with her and I did, and I made it and have loved it ever since,” laughed McGee.

First year cheer coach Kadie Stinson has been impressed with Kaitlynn from the outset.

“From the moment I met her at tryouts I knew she was a special athlete. She rallied everyone together and got a lot of respect from the athletes. She’s a great tumbler and jumper and is the back spot in our stunts. She’s overcome lots of health issues to get here and is our team captain this year. She’s very much about lifting people up which is one of the things I admire about her,” said Stinson.

Her athleticism runs in the family as she is the twin of current Rougher wide receiver Kaden McGee and younger sister of former Rougher receiver Kennedy McGee.

“I’ve loved being the younger sister and I wouldn’t change it for anything,” said Kaitlynn. “They’re my biggest fans and are always pushing me to do my best and we’re all pretty competitive.”

As team captain and leader this year, McGee has a firm idea on how to go about it.

“I think as a leader I need to bond with my teammates, be a good role model for the younger members and encourage them if they make a mistake.”

Kaitlynn hopes to cheer in college at either Texas Tech, where she has attended a couple of camps, or OSU.