The IR Academy 2012 Pre-NPL team just won the Premier Division of the CA State Cup and caught the attention of R&B stars.
ELK GROVE, Calif. — A team that sings together can also win together. That's if we're talking about the Elk Grove native's IR Academy 2012 Pre-NPL soccer team. The team goes about their business on the pitch, providing their own soundtrack in the process.
They march to the beat of their own drum and forge a bond that cannot be broken.
“They're my best friends,” said Dasha Shelton, a 12-year-old player on the team. “Even school couldn't be any different. They are the truest friends I've ever had.”
Hayden Holten-Horn, 12, said, “I've made a lot of friends after soccer practice, and we always play futsal and indoors, so our bonds are really strong.''
That strong bond has helped the team excel on the field, and they just won the premier division of the California State Cup.
“I was really happy,” said Madalyn Kenner, a 12-year-old player on the team. “We've been playing for a long time and to finally get there means our hard work paid off. It was a relief because we had to go for the win.”
“It's really exciting,” head coach Daneshia Adams added. “It shows their hard work. They gave a lot this past fall to get to that point. For them to work that hard and be able to get that payoff at the end. is the highest honor for this group and I'm excited for their development as they continue to grow. ”
Their most recent theme song is “Love” by R&B star Keyshia Cole.
“We decided to put on some warm-up music to set the tone, and the song came on and we all screamed,” Kenner said.
When Keyshia Cole heard rumors about girls singing her songs, she decided to share them on her Instagram page.
“The kids were so excited that she (Keyshia) could repost,” Adams said.
Besides singing, the girls have even bigger plans on the soccer field.
“Our goal is to keep winning to build stronger bonds, reach bigger places and move up from here,” Kenner said.
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