Little Mermaids Bring Inspiration to the Shark Tank

Published on January 26, 2012 under Major Indoor Soccer League (MISL)
Norfolk SharX News Release


Norfolk, Virginia - The roster might be filled, the equipment stocked, the venue booked, but no sports organization is complete without that one crucial element: the cheerleaders. With the right girls at the helm, even the most uninitiated fan knows who to root for, when a play is successful, and when the team needs some motivation.

And if a team is defined by their cheerleaders, no team has an edge like the Norfolk SharX, thanks to their cheerleaders, the Mermaids, and their Little Mermaids. The Norfolk SharX, the newest franchise in the Major Indoor Soccer League, has implemented numerous programs in the organization's inaugural season.

Though some fans may only see cheers and dance routines as intermission entertainment, the true purpose of the cheerleader carries so much more weight. In fact, it's so important, it's right there in the title: leader.

It takes a leader to sway the emotion of an entire arena and it takes the right energy to foster excitement in a crowd and inspire victory in the team that they stand behind. You can ask any Norfolk Sharx fan and they'll tell you, no one inspires like the five young ladies that make up the Little Mermaids - - Gabriela, Mallory, Ryanne, Grace and Olivia.

The brainchild of Norfolk SharX President Marcie Laumann and Director of Social Media Shannon Hendrix, the squad consists of five young ladies between the ages of 6 and 15 who have each overcome various physical and intellectual challenges in their lifetimes.

Laumann, an athlete throughout high school and college, recognizes the incredible being part of a team is. "It provides one with a sense of confidence, teaches us how to work together and gives us all a chance to be a part of something bigger then ourselves," said Laumann. "This is the philosophy that was a core component when envisioning and creating the Little Mermaids program." "How cool is it to see how this soccer team and the Mermaids have touched these young lives and given them a sense of "team," she explains. "We're about community, changing lives and influencing kids in a positive way."

Adorned in sparkling dance uniforms and armed with equally-brilliant pom poms, all provided through the generosity of their sponsors at Spectrum Financial, the girls perform in front of the thousands of fans who have filled the "Shark Tank" at Norfolk Scope Arena this season.

"She loves it," says Tara Tyler, mother of Little Mermaid Ryanne. "T here are very few programs for Rye that allow her to be herself." With obstacles that have left Ryanne needing two knee surgeries and a loss of hearing in one ear and sight in one eye, Tyler says her daughter "lives life to the fullest."

The Little Mermaids had always been a priority for Laumann and Hendrix. The plans for the squad were being discussed even as the first tryouts for the adult squad were getting underway.

"Our first goal," said Hendrix, "was to initiate an immediate positive impact on the community of Hampton Roads and foster a positive vibe within the SharX organization before we even played the first game."

The positive attitudes and support supplied by the Mermaids are most appreciated by parents of the Little Mermaids.

"I've been impressed with the Mermaids from day one," said Tyler. "They truly go out of their way to make Rye feel like she is one of the girls."

The five girls attend home games, learning new and exciting routines to perform. The impact of these performances extends beyond the pitch and into the personal lives of each Little Mermaid.

"We have had a great time getting to know each girl and they have enjoyed being part of a team, always bringing a victorious spirit to our home games," says Hendrix. "All who meet them are so inspired by their winning attitude and work ethic."

Little Mermaid Mallory, daughter of John and Linda Senich, locals from Chesapeake, has flourished being a member of the team, enabling her to make new friends, something that has always been a challenge due to her autism. But this has not held Mallory back from being successful off of the pitch as well.

According to her mother, Mallory has grown since joining the squad. "She is more confident now. She isn't afraid to run out there smiling and waving to the crowd." Mallory is a sophomore at Hickory High School in Chesapeake, achieving straight A's as well as participating in the high school chorus. "She is very serious about her education and she aspires to attend college someday," said Senich.

Parents Warren and Tara Tyler have noticed positive changes in daughter Ryanne as well. " Sadly she's gone from my little girl who didn't care about girlie stuff to a young lady who needs an hour to get ready to leave the house. This is a good thing and important to her growth, but sad for her mommy."

Traveling to home games at Scope in Norfolk from Matthews, VA, the family is proud to be a part of the SharX organization. Ryanne follows the team and is very interested in soccer. "Those men are her team," said mother Tara. "It's amazing to listen to her talk about everyone. She loves it; therefore she is paying attention and trying hard to learn all she can."

But, the Little Mermaids aren't the only ones benefiting from the program. The relationship has been equally-rewarding for their cheerleader mentors as well. "It's such a satisfying moment," says Mermaid Ellen, "to see the Little Mermaids' faces light up, to see their smiles, as they perform in front of our hometown crowd."

The young girls love their Mermaid mentors in return. When asked about her favorite part of being a Little Mermaid, Ryanne simply responds, "They treat me like I'm normal."

And to the Mermaids, each of their junior counterparts is an integral aspect of game day.

"They're superstars," says Mermaid Courtney, "and we love being mentors to them. To hear them call us friends, and say they really feel like a part of the team, makes putting on a uniform and getting out there in front of the crowd even more worthwhile."

To a young girl who has faced challenges all her life, that sense of community and friendship is perhaps more important than all of the flash, pageantry, and roar of a crowd combined.

"There are few programs for Rye that allow her to be her," said Tyler about her 13 year old. "She has always wanted to cheer and hates to be treated differently. This program offers both."

It's not just the SharX organization or parents and friends of the Mermaids and Little Mermaids that are proud of the program. SharX fans have weighed and taken notice.

Joel Houghton, a Sharx fan and regular game-attendee, looks forward to the Little Mermaids performance every week. "I think it's incredible," he says. "To see these young girls come out here and perform in the middle of an arena full of people . . . never in a million years could I do that. It takes courage to get out there and dance in front of thousands of strangers. It's something special." Being a father of six year old Sarah, who has overcome so many obstacles as a young person with autism, he is impressed with the willingness of the Mermaids to incorporate and mentor the five Little Mermaids.

"We have found that without an understanding of the struggles these young children deal with on a regular basis, so many adults avoid children with disabilities. It's so motivational to see the team of Mermaids willing to share their knowledge and skill to mentor the Little Mermaids," said Houghton.

Motivation. Cheerleading at its most fundamental. Every week these young girls bring that to their family, community, and the soccer team they're passionate about.

With inspiration and support from fans, the Mermaids and Little Mermaids, the Norfolk SharX have a solid foundation of support for a bright future in continuing professional sports in Hampton Roads.

The Little Mermaids and the Mermaids Cheerleaders can be seen Sunday, January 29 at Norfolk Scope Arena when the SharX host the Rochester Lancers at 2 p.m.

For more information about the Norfolk SharX, Norfolk's newest professional sports team, including sponsorships, tickets, internships or to volunteer, please call 757-419-3317 or visit www.norfolksharx.com .



Major Indoor Soccer League Stories from January 26, 2012


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