Before Kayla Kosmalski even says hello, you’ll notice her energy. She radiates positivity. “I’m your battery charger,” says the Wilmington University student with a big heart, big smile and big mission. 

“I want to show little girls with disabilities that they can believe in themselves and dream of doing anything, that they can do anything in life,” says Kosmalski, who made history as the first woman with Down syndrome to win a state pageant title — Miss Delaware Teen USA. She also won the Miss Congeniality award at the 2024 Miss Teen USA pageant. “People with Down syndrome can do anything!” 

That includes earning a college degree. Accepted by multiple schools, Kosmalski chose WilmU to pursue a B.S. in Communication and continue cheerleading, which she started at age 13. 

Inclusivity on Campus 

“Kayla has shown the other athletes on the cheer team that cheerleading is not just about the physical performances but also about the spirit, teamwork and camaraderie that come with it,” says Ashley Mundy, the University secretary and head cheerleading coach. “She serves as a role model for inclusivity and perseverance, promoting a culture of acceptance and respect.”  

In January, the team traveled to Florida for the national championship, finishing third in the Small Coed Division I Game Day competition. 

“I love Coach Mundy,” Kosmalski says. “She’s an incredible, inspiring coach, and I’m so grateful to have coaches by my side through all of this. And I’m so grateful to be on the team.” 

She also appreciates her WilmU professors. 

“They are amazing. They are kind. They are incredible,” says Kosmalski, who just completed her first year. “I want to graduate with a 4.0 GPA.” 

“Academically, Kayla is diligent, conscientious and eager to learn. She contributes to our class discussions with enthusiasm and a collaborative nature, and she is a positive, forward-thinking student,” says Kristen Berry, a WilmU adjunct professor. “It has been a pleasure to have her in class.”  

While balancing coursework and cheerleading, Kosmalski finds time for two other passions: motivational speaking and acting. 

“I have a movie ‘I Win’,” Kosmalski says. “‘I Win’ is all about friendships and bullying and kindness to the world. I am the main character’s girlfriend in that movie.” 

She’ll also star in “ABLE”, a new movie about her life. The tagline is “redefine what’s possible,” and she’s doing exactly that — as a student-athlete, speaker, model, actor and advocate for disability rights. 

ABLE Act 

“I have a law named after me in Delaware,” Kosmalski says. “It’s called Kayla’s Law,” known nationally as the ABLE Act.  

Short for Achieving a Better Life Experience, the 2014 law allows people with disabilities to save money for education, housing, transportation and other expenses without affecting their federal benefits. After championing the change, a young Kosmalski and her parents attended an event with then-Vice President Joe Biden, who told the crowd, “I’m so delighted that Princess Kayla is with us today.” 

From the political arena to pageant stage, cheer routine to class discussion, Kosmalski shines brightly. 

“Beyond her academic and extracurricular achievements, Kayla is a remarkable individual who faces life challenges with grace and courage. Her ability to overcome obstacles and maintain an optimistic outlook is truly inspiring,” says Liz Slater, a WilmU adjunct professor. “She is a testament to the power of perseverance and the value of embracing one’s unique strengths. I am a better person for having met Kayla Kosmalski.” 

“She truly embodies kindness and inclusivity, making everyone around her feel valued,” Coach Mundy says, adding, “I am confident that her involvement at the University will leave a lasting impact on the entire community.” 

Looking ahead, Kosmalski is excited to accomplish “anything that I am capable of” and shares words of encouragement for future Wildcats. “Dream big. Believe in yourself. Work hard,” she says with her signature smile.