Kayla Lane-Illescas 
Senior, Cheerleader
Greensboro, N.C. 
Major: Medical Technology

Kayla Lane-Illescas is a senior from Greensboro, North Carolina.  As one of the captains of the Competition Cheer Bears, Kayla has come in to her own as a leader and a phenomenal young woman.  As one of the captains she has been charged with orchestrating practices, tweaking routines, and leading by example in her quest to lead Morgan State to a victorious season.

Kayla is a coach's dream.  Although she has her opinions and is not afraid to voice them, she will eventually attempt to create a solution to any problem or suggestion for the betterment of the team.  She is an extremely hard worker that is willing to give 100% to get the job done. 

Kayla is a Medical Technology major with a 3.4 GPA.  She is presently applying to various dental schools with the hope of landing placement at Howard University School of Dentistry.  Her future plans include having her own dentist practice.

Student Life:
What is the best time of the year on campus? Towards the end of the year spring semester.
Why did you choose MSU? Because it was out of state, they offered scholarships for cheerleading, and they offered a variety of majors in the school of computer, mathematical, and natural sciences.
What is your major and why? Medical Technology. As a Medical Technology major I received both a strong biology and chemistry education with a more hands on laboratory experience that focuses on the medical field.
If you had to give an incoming student advice, what would it be? "Do what you have to do until you can do what you want to." – Oprah Winfrey. As an incoming freshman you have to start off strong, establish boundaries for yourself, and learn how to prioritize. Always try to be one up.
Describe your first day as a student at Morgan. I was so excited, but nervous at the same time. I had my outfit picked out, book bag filled with school supplies, and my lunch all packed.
What do you like most about Morgan? The small class sizes. The one on one teacher student interaction, and how all the athletes stick together/support one another. 
What would you like to change at Morgan State?  I would like for there to be more school spirit/pride from the student body at our sporting events.

Pop Culture:
What social media do you prefer the most? Instagram
Would you rather read the book or watch the movie? Why? Read the book because the storyline is drawn out more elaborately and you get to create your own image of how the characters should look.
 Who is your celebrity crush? Big Sean
Favorite TV Show? Gossip Girl
Favorite Movie? Paul Blart: Mall Cop
Favorite musician/musical group? Big Sean
My favorite cartoon or children's show as a child was… Barney
If you could switch lives with any celebrity, who would it be and why? Misty Copeland. She gets to perform in front of thousands of people, expressing her arts through dance.   
Favorite music genre? Pop/Indie
Travel:
Most interesting place you've visited? Las Vegas, Nevada
Place you would like to visit? London
Where are you from? Greensboro, North Carolina

Food:
Favorite home cooked meal? Empanadas, Green Beans, and Baked Mac&Cheese
Favorite snack? Chocolate covered pomegranates
 I hated it when my mom made me eat? Peas
Favorite breakfast cereal as a kid? Cinnamon Toast Crunch

Sports:
When is your favorite time of your sports season? Competition season
Who is your favorite athlete? Why? Misty Copeland. She is the first African American principal dancer for the American Ballet Theatre.
Which team do you most look forward to competing against? Towson
Do you have any pre-competition/match superstitions or rituals? I pray and wipe my hands on the back stage curtains. Then when I get on stage I make the sign of the cross, rub my hands together, and look up.
What is your favorite part about your sport? Tumbling
What is your favorite athletic memory? Winning 2^nd at NCA College Nationals my freshman year
What is your top skill? Standing Full
When did you start cheering? At the age of 3 
   
Miscellaneous:
If you could do one thing over, what would it be? Junior year, spring semester
When you are not at practice, what could someone find you doing? Studying or editing Youtube videos
If could play another sport, what would it be? Track
Do you have an interesting nickname? Kaler
What is the best piece of advice you have ever received? The light is at the end of the tunnel  
What are your goals in life? To become a dentist and own my own general family dental practice
Person you admire the most? My parents
Coolest thing you did this summer? Went on a college road trip with my brother 
Most prized possession? My dog Sadie Blue
Dream event? The opening of my dental practice
Cats or dogs? DOGS
Early bird or night owl? Night Owl