Kileigh Wilcox, a Canyon Lake resident and student in Temescal Canyon High School’s Health and Medical Careers Academy (HMCA), recently launched a cheer team, along with Alannah Thomas, specifically for special education students—an initiative that has grown into something powerful.
Wilcox not only co-founded the team but also organizes and coaches it, creating routines, adapting cheers, and ensuring each athlete can participate in a way that fits their abilities. The team now performs at special education sporting events, giving students the opportunity to be part of a team, build confidence, and experience the excitement of cheer.
The team is made up of 12 special needs athletes, who practice two to three times a week when they have an upcoming cheer event. The team will be performing at a pep rally in May, where they will showcase a cheer and/or dance for the entire school.
Through her leadership and compassion, Wilcox created more than just a team—she built a place where every student has a chance to shine.
“I love being able to create something where everyone feels included and confident,” Wilcox said. “Seeing the athletes smile and enjoy being part of a team is the best part.”
Cheerleading has long been a part of Wilcox’s life. Now in her 14th year in the sport, she has spent nine years in All-Star Cheer and has served as a junior coach. In her final year of All-Star Cheer, Wilcox was recognized for her dedication to the program. She is also a member of Temescal Canyon High School’s junior varsity cheer team, where she has cheered for the past two years.
Wilcox’s passion for helping others has been evident from a young age. She earned multiple honors in middle school, including the Cougar Service Award, Heart of Gold Award, and Buddy of the Year for three semesters.
Now in high school, Wilcox continues to excel both academically and as a leader. She maintains a GPA above 3.5 while staying actively involved in several programs. Through HMCA, Wilcox is on track to graduate with not only a high school diploma but also a professional certification as a pharmacy technician or medical assistant.
Wilcox currently serves as an ambassador for both HMCA and the Interact Club and holds a leadership role as commissioner of Unified Titan Sports in Unified Leadership, where she helps promote inclusion and participation for students of all abilities.
In addition to cheer, Wilcox is a multi-sport athlete. She played on the JV flag football team during her sophomore year and is looking forward to returning to the field next season.
Outside of school, Wilcox remains active in her community. She participates in the youth group at Cornerstone Community Church and will be volunteering this summer at “Special Camp,” a day camp in Orange County for individuals with special needs.
Wilcox is the middle of three children. Her older brother, Matthew, is a senior at Temescal Canyon High School and a member of the school’s engineering academy. He has been accepted to Cal State San Marcos, where he plans to pursue a degree in criminal justice before attending UC Berkeley Law with the goal of becoming a civil rights attorney. Her younger brother, Ryder, is in first grade at Tuscany Elementary School and has recently begun ice skating lessons with plans to play hockey.
“Kileigh has had a big heart since the day she was born,” her father, Steve Wilcox, said. “She has always gravitated toward helping younger kids, especially those with special needs. Erin and I feel incredibly blessed to have three healthy, driven, and overachieving kids—we couldn’t be more proud of all of them.”
Looking ahead, Wilcox plans to attend either Cal State San Marcos or UC San Diego, where she hopes to pursue a degree in special education while continuing her involvement in cheer. Her long-term goal is to become an elementary school special education teacher and continue working with athletes with disabilities through adaptive cheer programs.
For now, Wilcox remains focused on growing the team she started—one that is already making a lasting impact on the students it serves.
