Cheerleader Kait Dredd -

The football team had a state championship game in three weeks. They didn't know it yet, but they weren't playing for a trophy. They were playing for her permission to keep breathing.

She pulled out her phone and texted the running back: Practice tomorrow. 6 AM. Bring your A-game, or bring a stretcher. cheerleader kait dredd

Kait Dredd began to move.

"I know," Kait said quietly. "It's better." The football team had a state championship game

Kait pushed off the bleachers and walked to the center of the mat. She didn't skip. She didn't wave. She just walked. Then she turned to face the panel of judges, popped her gum, and said, "Change the track." She pulled out her phone and texted the

"You heard me." Kait's voice was low, a quiet rumble that cut through the pop song. "This bubblegum crap doesn't fit. You want a cheerleader? Fine. But I don't cheer for the team. The team cheers for me."

She plucked the varsity letterman jacket off the bench—the one reserved for the squad captain—and put it on. No one stopped her. No one could.