Bixby’s Kennedy Jones
Kennedy “KJ” Jones has been a Bixby Cheerleader from start to finish. Having taken up cheer in the 1st grade, this senior has put forth more than a decade of dedication, grit, and passion on the mat. As a leader by nature, KJ shows an unwavering drive to always put her best foot forward. “I give 100% effort at every practice, encourage my teammates, and set high standards for our team,” she shares.
Relentlessly training through tumbling classes and private lessons, KJ has worked hard to develop and master her skills. She says her favorite part of routine is the stunts. “I love the challenge of making a stunt hit and the accomplishment of hitting the hard stunts,” she says. “I also like the choreography of the routine.”
What many don’t realize, she says, is just how tough cheerleading really is. “There are no do-overs. You get one chance in two minutes and thirty seconds, and it has to be perfect,” she explains. It undeniably takes tremendous strength and conditioning to perform at such a level.
As a veteran on the varsity cheer squad, KJ has seen her fair share of trials. She says her biggest challenge as a cheerleader was struggling through multiple knee injuries that ended in double knee surgery. “I had to relearn how to walk, how to tumble—everything. It was the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do.” Despite the setback, she finds the silver linings in it all. “I’ve learned I can do hard things. I can get myself mentally through anything,” she says. “From tumbling to stunting—I can do it.”
She has made considerable memories throughout the years. “The most memorable moment for me was when we won NCA in 8th grade with Bixby Middle School cheer.” She has cheered through unforgettable championship football games and competed in grueling UCA competitions, but for her it is the time spent with her teammates. “Getting to go to Disney with my team was an incredible experience and so much fun,” says KJ.
After ten years as a flyer, she has moved on to another challenge as main base. She says for her it has required the most change during her time in cheer. Still though, she shows us that with growth comes grit. “Mental toughness is finishing your job no matter the outcome of the performance,” she explains. “Giving 100% through the entire routine and never giving up.” As she begins her final season with Bixby cheer, Kennedy “KJ” Jones will undoubtedly leave behind a legacy of determination, growth, and heart. Her innate ability to lead by example is evident as she has embraced every role and every obstacle with equal parts grit and grace, inspiring others to never give up and to always finish the job.
