This week’s special “Facebook Edition” of Talk to Todd takes place in the Lone Star State on the gorgeous Southern Methodist University campus! 
TJ: Kayli Mickey…this is so fun and weird and makes me feel SO OLD! I mean I have literally known you for YEARS and watched you become more beautiful…inside and out…year after year!
KM: (giggles) You have no idea how excited I am about this! Don’t judge me…but I didn’t sleep the night after you told me because I was so excited!
TJ: I am THRILLED you were chosen…but come on…it’s just me! 

TJ: So Kayli…many twirlers have lots of different methods they use for choosing the RIGHT school for them…why SMU?
KM: For me…guidance came from a fellow twirler. Kelli Montgomery, former feature here, sought me out and informed me of the amazing opportunity. She also pointed out that “The Doll” is pretty much a celebrity on campus AND though everyone says it about their own school, I am pretty sure it is the most beautiful campus ever!

TJ: I would agree…So as your college career ends…why should someone consider SMU?
KM: Obviously I am obsessed with my school and twirling for it and here is why:
The top rate education, the AMAZING scholarship, the fact that the pregame and halftime show are built AROUND THE TWIRLER…I am featured on the 50!, it is a very close nit college, there is an unbelievable alumni program with the connections that almost guarantee a job once I graduate, and did I mention the campus…’cause it is Heavenly!!!!

TJ: SMU campus ambassador I see…we get it! So…what DO you see yourself doing after graduation?
KM: Ha…that is good question! I would love to be Cinderella at Disney World! Honestly, I try not to make too many plans. I believe God’s plans and what I originally want to happen may change so I like to just enjoy the ride and not worry too much about the drive!

TJ: Why do I feel like the stepsisters could come in at any moment and stop this interview? But seriously…not to become “all Barbara Walters on you” but I know you had to make the difficult decision to leave competitive twirling…why?
KM: Talk with Todd is supposed to be fun stuff and this is not fun to talk about but here it goes: I left twirling essentially because it wasn’t in God’s plan for me. I have a stomach disease that is called Gastroparesis and it basically means that my stomach is paralyzed and that it is very difficult for me to get the nutrition that my body needs. This also caused me to have extreme hypoglycemia causing me to constantly check my blood sugar and have candy on me at all times. I tried to fight through all of these obstacles and quitting competition was honestly one of the hardest things I have ever had to do. I love this sport more than any sane person probably should. It is extremely difficult when your mind and spirit want something so bad and you are willing to do WHATEVER it takes to achieve your dreams but your body will not physically let you. 

TJ: I had no real idea…how do you deal with the pain and frustration of leaving a sport…”before your time?”
KM: It is very hard. But I have been very blessed to have amazing friends and family who are always there for me and are consistently telling me that it is possible to push through the pain and that I am very blessed to be here to be feeling the pain! I don’t know if that will make sense to you…or anyone reading…but it does to me.

TJ: It sort of does…plus…as you said…it was not God’s Plan.
KM: Right!
TJ: The GREAT news…and I ALWAYS think there is a silver (or in your case a SMU red, white, and blue) lining! I think your words here can become an inspiration to others suffering from life’s set backs.

TJ: Enough seriousness…quick…3 complete the sentence…
TJ: When I am not twirling I LOVE…
KM: …to have awkward dance parties with my sorority sisters.
TJ: This past summer I…
KM: …gave up a free trip to Hawaii to go to AYOP and hopefully watch my twirl sister Megan McGeary crowned as College Miss Majorette of America!
TJ: You are called “The Doll” because…
KM: …back in the day, the twirler was the only female allowed on the field. The band was referred to as “96 guys and the doll” so it is one of the oldest tradition at the university!

TJ: All the girls have answered it, the one word that BEST describes Matt Freeman:
KM: oh lordy…um…“ENTERTAINING”
TJ: The ONE WORD that BEST describes YOU. 
KM: Blessed.

     Spending time with this inspiration young woman…I feel blessed!