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From Cardinal Stadium to Rupp Arena, Brookelyn Adkins has cheered for the George Rogers Clark High School Cardinals for several years.

Now, the graduate will be taking her talents to Richmond.

Adkins recently signed on to become the next Colonels cheerleader at Eastern Kentucky University.

“It’s an exciting day for us, and it’s an extremely exciting day for Brooklyn and her family,” said George Rogers Clark High School Athletic Director Mike Ritchie. “Eastern Kentucky is also getting a talented athlete as well.”

At the ceremony in the George Rogers Clark High School library, Adkins celebrated while surrounded by family and friends, including teammates from GRC’s cheerleading squad.

“I just want to say thank you all for coming. It does mean a lot,”  she said.

Also present to celebrate with Adkins were assistant coaches Emily Marquez and Kristie Tirey.

Tirey, who coached Adkins for three years at Robert D. Campbell Jr. High School and her final two years at GRC, spoke of her positive contributions to the team.

“She’s everything you want out of an athlete,” Tirey said. “She’s super dedicated, and she’s always come to practice ready to work. We’re excited for her. She’s always been a leader from the beginning. We’ve done really great with our leadership.”

While the distance between Winchester and Richmond is approximately thirty minutes away, Adkins acknowledged that prior experiences had much to do with her decision-making process.

“I chose EKU because I’ve been to so many clinics. At the clinics, I got to meet the team and the coaches,” Adkins said. “EKU is the only one that stood out to me. They were such a welcoming environment.”

Adkins also emphasized that the recent success of the squad – who won in the nationals competition just two years ago – was a factor.

While acknowledging that she will miss working with the group of cheerleaders she’s grown up with, Adkins is prepared for the future.

She plans to study biology, with long-term plans of attending dental school.