News Summary
Jayda Redden, a cheerleader who suffered a serious head injury during practice, is advocating for improved safety protocols at the University of Central Florida. After experiencing severe symptoms, she was diagnosed with post-concussion syndrome. Redden’s experience has prompted her family to seek legal consultation and push for changes in coaching and safety practices. UCF has expressed commitment to athlete well-being, but Redden’s story highlights urgent calls for reform in cheerleading safety standards across universities.
Orlando, Florida – Jayda Redden, a 19-year-old cheerleader from Johns Creek, Georgia, has come forward to advocate for change following a significant head injury suffered during a practice session for the University of Central Florida’s cheer and dance team. The incident occurred on June 20, 2024, during a basket toss stunt, where a miscalculation led to her hitting her head after the bases lost control and her coach was unable to catch her body properly.
Initially, Redden opted not to seek immediate medical attention, but after experiencing troubling symptoms including memory loss and disorientation, she eventually consulted a doctor affiliated with UCF. A CT scan ruled out immediate abnormalities; however, Redden was later diagnosed with a concussion. Over time, her symptoms persisted and intensified, prompting her to seek care from a neurologist who ultimately diagnosed her with post-concussion syndrome. This condition has led to ongoing health issues, such as chronic fatigue, nausea, and chemical imbalances affecting her brain function.
As the severity of her condition became apparent, Redden expressed a decline in trust towards UCF’s cheer program, ultimately deciding to leave the university. Her family has since pursued legal consultation to explore their options, indicating a potential interest in reaching a settlement with UCF that would include changes to the coaching staff involved in cheerleading practices. Although no formal lawsuit has yet been filed, her attorney has clarified that they are considering additional legal avenues.
Meanwhile, UCF officials have stated that they are committed to the health and safety of their athletes and adhere to established injury protocols. They emphasize the importance of following procedures to ensure athlete well-being, but have refrained from commenting on Redden’s specific medical case.
Redden’s story has gained traction across social media platforms, particularly after a viral podcast interview where she detailed her experience. An Instagram post regarding her injury also reached a significant audience, raising awareness about the risks associated with cheerleading and the potential for serious injuries. Through her advocacy, Redden aims to push for essential changes in safety measures within the UCF cheer program.
The incident involving Jayda Redden underscores the critical need for stringent safety protocols in high-risk sports like cheerleading. Issues such as the training of coaching staff, the safety of stunts, and immediate medical responses are essential topics that warrant attention. As Redden continues to navigate her recovery journey, her call for change highlights the importance of ensuring that athlete health and safety are prioritized, to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
In conclusion, Jayda Redden’s experience is not just a personal journey, but a broader call to action for improved safety standards in cheerleading programs nationwide. The dialogue surrounding athlete safety is crucial, and it remains to be seen how her advocacy will influence practices at UCF and beyond.
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Additional Resources
- Orlando Sentinel
- Wikipedia: Cheerleading
- AL.com
- Google Search: cheerleading safety protocols
- AccessWDUN
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Cheerleading
- 11Alive
- Google Search: injuries in cheerleading
- Patch
- Google Scholar: cheerleading injuries
Author: STAFF HERE ORLANDO WRITER
ORLANDO STAFF WRITER The ORLANDO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOrlando.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Orlando, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival, Megacon Orlando, and Central Florida Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Orlando Economic Partnership and Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Metro Orlando, plus leading businesses in leisure and hospitality that power the local economy such as Walt Disney World Resort, AdventHealth, and Universal Orlando. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
