After four incredible years with the First Ladies of Football, it is time for me to say farewell. This team is a legacy. It was built on a foundation of incredible, empowering woman in 1962 and continues to grow stronger each and every year. To be able to tell my future children that I was a part of this legacy, WOW. I always knew I wanted to be a First Lady; it was just a matter of lining up the stars to make the dream come true. My first introduction to the Redskinettes was when I was only six years old. My dance instructor, Sheryl Olecheck, was a captain at the time and I remember seeing all of the beautiful cheerleaders thinking, "Wow, that's going to be me one day." Who knew that two decades later that I would be standing in her footsteps as a CAPTAIN of the First Ladies.
The Redskins Organization has given me the most unbelievable opportunities, that one could only dream of. Cheering at FedEx Field, being involved in community outreach, traveling the world to visit our servicemen and women, representing our team and organization at the 2018 Pro Bowl, becoming a leader on the team and so much MORE. How was all of it packed into just four short years?? I guess it's true what they say, 'Time flies when you're having fun'. People would ask me, "How do you have a full-time career and still make time for Redskins?" Easy, when you're doing something you love so much, there's always time for it. You just make time. Life is short, so why waste the empty moments when you could be a part of something so grand and so memorable?!
I've grown so much over the past four years, but what's even cooler is that I got to watch my teammates and sisters grow into amazing human beings, both on and off the field. I've seen ladies at their best and at their worst; that's called life. Yet what was so unique and so raw was to see the team and sisterhood lift up the ladies on the team when they needed help. That's true sisterhood right there. That's what people don't see when they see cheerleaders on the field. They don't always think about the 'behind the scenes' moments, but those are the moments that shape us into the women we want to be when we finish with the Redskins. Those are sometimes the moments that matter the most. I auditioned for this team because I wasn't ready to give up my love for dancing and performing, but I stayed on the team and continued to audition for three more seasons because of my WRC sisters.
To my amazing husband and family, thank you for putting up with my crazy life and schedule and always supporting me! I could not have done it without you! To our directors, Stephanie and Jamilla, thank you for believing in me and taking a chance on me four years ago. I can't thank you enough for every opportunity you have given me and wish you really understood just how much you have taught me over the past four years! My Apollo, we held it strong and you seven will continue to be a force on this team! Keep it going, ladies! To all of my WRC sisters, I love you all so much. I can't wait to be your No. 1 fan next season and cheer you all on from the stands! I hope I have made you all as proud as you have made me! Finally, to my Pro Bowl sisters, thank you for giving me a new perspective on life. Thank you for always being so supportive and continuing to make me laugh every day! You're stuck with me!
As Ron Kellum once told us, "Go out and live your best life, because you only get one." This team has changed me. This team has made me a better woman, a woman that I am so incredibly proud of. I can honestly say that I LIVED MY BEST LIFE WITH THE FIRST LADIES! THANK YOU REDSKINS!
Love,
Kellie
