A lifelong dream fulfilled

Friday night lights is more than a game. It is about the players laying it all out on the field. It is about the traditions and the exciting theatrics created by the marching band, drill teams, and cheerleaders. Friday nights in the fall are about pageantry that breeds passion and dreams for all involved.

Often the spotlight finds itself on the athletes on the field, especially those moving on to the collegiate level. At the same time, we lose sight of the other incredibly talented students that are just as passionate and dedicated to their extra-curricular activities.

For Dayton High School’s Mallory Threadgill, her dedication to cheerleading is paying off, and we could not help but tip our hat to the graduating senior.

Threadgill, a five-time UCA All American, recently earned a spot on the University of Houston Cheer team.

“Ever since I was a little girl, I knew I wanted to become a college cheerleader, and now that that dream has come true, it makes me so happy knowing that my cheerleading career is not over just yet,” she said.

That dream began when she was only five while getting started in twirling and mini cheerleading before moving on to competitive cheering.

“I was in competitive cheer at Lonestar Athletics until I was in 6th grade. Then I started school cheer, and I have been doing that ever since,” she said.

This past year she was Co-Captain of the Varsity squad and voted Homecoming Cheer Sweetheart while earning a $1,000 scholarship from the cheer booster club for her hard work.

Threadgill is proud of her team and the opportunity to compete in the UIL State Competition in Fort Worth.

When she graduates this weekend with honors, it will be amongst the top 10% of her graduating class. She has completed several dual credit courses along the way and earned membership in the National Honor Society, National English Honor Society, and PALs while attending Dayton.

The daughter of Kyle Threadgill and Lina Rodriguez, she credits her parents as her most significant influence in life.

“They have supported me by paying for me to be in cheer, coming to all of my competitions, all of my football games, and just always being there for me and rooting for me,” she said.

She also credits all the wonderful coaches and teammates that have contributed to her journey and the many opportunities.

“Cheer has brought me my very best friends and has opened so many doors in my life. I do not know what I would do without it,” she said.

Threadgill is confident about her next chapter in life; as she makes her way to Houston, she is excited about the possibilities, especially how everyone has made her fill at home there.

“During my years at The University of Houston, I hope to make lots of memories and enjoy my time while also working towards my degree. Being on the cheer team at UH will give me so many amazing opportunities while being in school, and at the end of the day, all I want in life is to be happy and successful,” she said.

She won’t be out there on Friday nights alongside Dayton mascot Charger anymore, but she will undoubtedly show her talents on Saturday afternoons this Fall next to Shasta as they cheer on those mighty Houston Cougars.