Dear Washington Redskins family,

I address you all as family because you truly have been just that for me for the past five years. I need to start this by saying thank you so much for the most amazing five years of my life. I wouldn't be the woman I am today without my directors, teammates, this organization and all of the fans! 

I auditioned for the Redskins Cheerleaders five years ago not knowing much at all about professional cheerleading. I knew I loved dancing my entire life and had a strong passion for performing, but never knew exactly where it was going to take me. I was fortunate enough to make the team my first year auditioning and wow, was my life changed forever. Hearing my name called at final auditions in 2011 is a moment I will never forget; it almost didn't seem real. My family were the ones who encouraged me to audition, and I grew up loving the Redskins. My father instilled this in me very young, so to say my parents were just as ecstatic as I was is an understatement. They have been so supportive my entire WRC career that I also couldn't be here without them.

I met some of the most intelligent, powerful and inspiring women while on this team. I'm honored to say that I was able to cheer with Jamilla! You are such an icon and contributed so much to this legacy. I'm so proud to have been on your line my rookie year where you instilled in everyone on the team tradition and respect. I will always cherish the two years cheering on the field together and the other three under your direction. This leads me to Stephanie, the woman who was perfectly made to be the Director of the Washington Redskins Cheerleaders. We would NOT be where we are today without your incredible experience, perseverance and love. I look up to you so much not only as a director, but a mentor. You've given me so many incredible opportunities while on this team and every single one of them I hold close to my heart. Thank you for believing in me year after year and most recently to be a captain the past two years. I've enjoyed every second of these moments. Thank you for pushing us all to be the best cheerleaders and women we can be. 

While trying to think of everything I want to say, I can't even list all the amazing experiences over the past five years. Pro Bowl 2014 has to be one of my proudest moments... for so many reasons. It was such an honor to be able to say I was selected by my teammates to represent them in Hawaii! I hope I made you all proud because you all are the most amazing humans I've been able to share life with. And then I was chosen as the cover girl of our 2015-2016 Cheerleader Calendar is another moment I will cherish forever!

Lastly, all the fans I've been able to meet and interact with, thank you for sharing your game days and love for the team with me. My days cheering on the field may be over, but no matter where I am, I will always be cheering on the best team in the league! From running out of the helmet, singing the National Anthem along with you, and, of course, performing "Hail to the Redskins" while each of you sang the words we all know so well, these are the memories that will forever be a part me.

I plan to still be around to help motivate and encourage future Redskins Cheerleaders to have similar outstanding experiences like I did. I encourage all of you to cherish every moment and to learn about the team and the organization because I promise you that your love will grow even deeper. We come from a long line of hard work, blood, sweat and tears. We will continue to grow and mold into a better version each year and I can't wait to see what the future holds. I will be a proud alumnus and will forever be a part of the Redskins Cheerleaders. Thank you Redskins Nation for everything you've done for me, and thank you management for providing these opportunities.

Once a Redskins Cheerleader, Always a Redskins Cheerleader!

Love xo,

Maigan

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