More than an Athlete: Kayla Lillard
Photo by Rhianna Barrow, senior photographer
Kayla Lillard, a freshman on the cheerleading squad, finds joy in cooking up community wherever she goes. When not cheering on the Lee Flames, Lillard is a nursing major and community builder for Simmons and Nora.
Lillard began her college career in culinary school before transferring to Lee.
“I tell people, ‘Lee chose me instead of me choosing Lee,’” Lillard said. “Attending a university has always been a dream of mine. When I heard about this school, I fought applying and wanting to come because it was so far, and my mother was very sick at the time. I was afraid to leave her.”
Lillard said her mother was instrumental in encouraging her to apply.
“I prayed about it for so long before I applied,” Lillard said. “Coming to Lee saved my life. I am on a better path than before, and my relationship with Christ is stronger than ever.”
To get out of her comfort zone, Lillard tried out for Lee’s cheer squad. After making the team, Lillard said she experienced an outpouring of love and support from her teammates.
“I wanted to put myself out there and get to know people without them having to do it first, and if cheer does anything, pushing you out of your comfort zone is one of them,” Lillard said. “They are my family away from family. The community, love and support that I have gotten from them are unexplainable. Every hardship that I have encountered, they have been there to help me through it. They constantly support me and boost me up, even when I don’t need it.”
Lily Rodriquez, a freshman psychology major, commends her friend for her ability to manage her time well.
“Kayla is a caring and hardworking person in and out of her sport,” Rodriquez said. “She also balances her schoolwork well with her personal life and practices.”
Lillard is grateful for the opportunities Lee has presented her so far and looks forward to cheering on her peers over the next few years.
“I regret absolutely nothing when it comes to Lee,” Lillard said. “This is my chance to be great and make a name for myself and my family, and I’m so excited to take it.”
