Adalynn Brown: Learning to be a teammate
Adalynn Brown, age 6, loves to watch football, especially when her favorite team, the 49ers, are playing. She makes up cheers to root them on while watching the games with her grandfather who she calls Pepaw. Adalynn is in kindergarten and will be starting her third season of cheer practice in February. She says going to cheer practice makes her happy, especially during this year when other activities have been restricted.
Adalynn’s mother, Brenda, has seen a change in her since she started participating in cheer. “She has a bit of social anxiety, and I believe it’s helping her gain confidence. It has also helped Adalynn with her organization skills at home and at school. Sometimes it’s a little tough getting out the door, but once she is there they are jumping and moving around constantly and all that activity helps. She’s learning to be around people in a safe and supportive environment.”
“I learned a lot of things and how to be a good teammate. If someone is cranky it’s okay. I just try to help them if they aren’t organized and my coach tells me to just have fun.”
Brenda is a music teacher, and the pandemic has affected her steady schedule and income from lessons. “The assistance from Every Kid Sports is especially beneficial at this time,” says Brenda. “Adalynn is already signed up for her third semester of cheer.”
If you ask Adalynn what she likes about cheer, she says her favorite thing is practicing at night under the lights, and learning pom-pom routines. She gets to practice with older kids and learn new stunts, and she has learned the importance of staying hydrated from her coach. “I learned a lot of things and how to be a good teammate. If someone is cranky it’s okay. I just try to help them if they aren’t organized and my coach tells me to just have fun.”
While the 49ers didn’t make it to the Super Bowl this year, Adalynn’s wish for a cheer uniform at Christmas did come true. She will be able to wear it at cheer competitions as well as cheering on the 49ers during the next football season!
– The Every Kid Sports team