Ever since Cailin Caldwell can remeber, her dream in the small town of Claremore has been to attend a NCAA Division I school.
Whether it was through a cheerleading or soccer scholarship, the 2013 Claremore High School graduate was willing to do whatever it took to pursue her dream.
Caldwell, who closed out her illustrious high school career as a dual All-State performer in soccer and cheerleading, will represent Claremore as a freshman member of the Oklahoma Sooners cheerleading team.
“It’s a dream come true,” Caldwell said with a smile.
Through hard work, staying patient and trusting God’s timing, Caldwell’s journey from the seats inside the Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium to the sidelines will take centerstage in 31 days — Aug. 31 when OU plays Louisiana-Monroe.
“It’s hard to believe that in 31 days I’ll be cheering in front of 80,000 people,” Caldwell said.
Asked if she would be nervous on the experience of a lifetime, Caldwell graciously responded with a heart-warming smile and said, “it’s an honor just to be a part of something so special.”
Caldwell’s love for the Sooners is only proof that she’s her ‘Daddy’s Girl’.
Her father, Brian Caldwell, only knows two colors during college football season … ‘Crimson and Cream’.
And, for many years, those are the only colors that Caldwell has embraced in her wardrobe.
Though her friends — who happen to be partial to Oklahoma State — often kid her and even persuade her to don the black and orange, Caldwell held her ground and wore ‘crimson’ with pride.
“I’m Sooner born and Sooner bred,” Caldwell said.
“Wouldn’t have it any other way.”
One of 27 members — 18 of which are brand new — to the All-Girl OU Cheer Squad, Caldwell will at least know a familiar face in co-captain Taylor DeLozier, a former Claremore Sequoyah All-State cheerleader.
Caldwell said her OU teammates have grown so close in just a short period of time.
“I feel like I’ve known them forever,” Caldwell added.
“It will be really neat to share this experience with Taylor, and have someone close to home on the squad.”
Caldwell’s path to becoming an OU cheerleader took five auditions before the actual tryout.
Through it all, though, Caldwell kept persevering toward the ultimate prize while leaning on the moral support of her parents.
“My parents are my biggest supporters,” Caldwell said.
“They never missed a cheerleading event or a soccer game and they’re always there to encourage me.”
