“We are so excited and proud of her because she is still working her tail off and has come so far. We cannot wait to see her cheer in college.”
Purvis cheer coach Haylee Lucas announced to the smiles and gleams from senior cheerleader Kali Williamson’s friends and family that Williamson was signing to continue her cheer career at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College Monday afternoon.
“She is absolutely incredible. Most people who know her don’t really even know about her health issues. She goes above and beyond to do her job and then some. We are super proud and ready to see her show that off when she takes the next step in college,” said Lucas.
Williamson has been involved in cheer since eighth grade and was thrilled to get the opportunity to sign on to cheer for the Bulldogs.
“It means a lot because I have tried and worked really hard. I’ve tried my best to get to where I am. I’ve been cheering since eighth grade, so I’m happy.”
Williamson has cheered throughout high school until recently when doctors found a heart issue as she started to get short of breath quickly. After four surgeries and valve replacements, that has not stopped Williamson from reaching her goals and moving onto the next stage of life.
Her father, Bryan Williamson, was ecstatic for her daughter to sign her scholarship and continue on her journey.
“It is great. She has put in so many years and hours of hard work. It has paid off for her. She has had four open-heart surgeries and she has overcome that and continued to work hard. She is a normal kid and doesn’t want anyone to look at her any different, or things like that. As I said, she works hard and this stuff doesn’t seem to phase her at all.”
Lucas also stated that two more young ladies are set to sign with a possibility of a third at a later date. Kaylee Flynt is set to sign November 1st with Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College.
Williamson’s story should serve as an inspiration and a reminder to many that you can do anything you set your mind to even if obstacles try and impede your path.