Cheerleading has always been a big part of Maddie Thompson’s life.
The 14-year-old from Garland, Texas has been on a private cheerleading squad since she was just four years old. Still, Maddie–who has Down syndrome– didn’t make the team when she tried out for Coyle Middle School’s cheer squad last year.
Instagram
Her mother, Shannon, knew Maddie was good enough to make the required score, but she was judged against the other girls. Shannon fought for Maddie, citing requirements put in place by the U.S. Department of Education.
Shortly afterward, Maddie made it on the team, heralding a policy change at Coyle Middle and eventually throughout the district; now students with special needs will be required to meet a minimum score rather than compete for a spot.
Instagram
But throughout the ensuing battle, Maddie “didn’t let … not making the team define her,”said her friend, Cami Branson.
Some people would have handled the situation differently, but Maddie stayed determined and positive through it all. She matured into an even stronger young woman, and continued to change the perspectives and lives of others.
Facebook
Cami is a close friend of Maddie’s and a cheerleader at Texas Christian University. When Maddie recently made the freshman cheer team at her high school, Cami headed up the effort to raise money to cover the cheer squad’s fees. Cami, along with the TCU cheerleaders and fraternity Pi Kappa Phi teamed up with a goal to raise $2,000.
Facebook
The event was so successful, they exceeded that goal!
Instagram
Instagram
Afterward, Cami said she was “in awe”of all the love and support shown by the TCU community, adding the show of support from coaches, athletes and various teams was “amazing.â€
Instagram
With TCU being such a close family and community, I was not surprised that we reached the goal. It is nearly impossible to not fall in love with Maddie or her story. It truly shows how much of an impact this 14-year-old girl can have on people’s lives.
Instagram
Maddie’s a great example to us all of how much we can achieve with the right mindset and willingness to persevere against uncertain odds.
Check out the video below for more, and share Maddi’s inspiring story today!
Want to be happier in just 5 minutes a day? Sign up for Morning Smile and join over 455,000+ people who start each day with good news.
