CHESTERFIELD, Va. (WTVR)--What ten-year-old you do you know who cherishes belting out the national anthem?
Sophia Nadder's rich voice is perking ears and turning heads. The Chesterfield school talent show last year changed her life.
"It was the first time I had ever sang before people, besides my family,” she said.
After an exhilarating performance at school Sophia had an idea: sing the national anthem before a squirrels game at the Diamond.
Her wish came true on June 23 last year…her birthday. "I just felt really excited that I could do it,” she said.
Before a crowd of thousands Sophia stepped to the microphone at home plate.
"My cousin walked me out. He fought in Afghanistan."
She knocked it out of the park.
Soon the VCU Rams heard about Sophia’s talents and Shaka Smart wisely invited her to sing before a few tipoffs.
"It was just so exciting to get the opportunity,” she said.
“Each time she has sung the team has won by the average of 23 points, we figured out! So we feel like she is a good luck charm for them,” said her mother.
The pint-sized singer's chords are a fixture at VCU sporting events. She says Shaka always comes by to shake her hand and say 'good job.'
Sophia finds inspiration from a wide range of singers; from Adele to Elvis Presley to Andrea Bocelli and Bruno Mars.
When the Rams begin their march to the NCAA title, Sophia says she will check out "every game I can watch."
The little girl with the big voice will be singing in her living room, with her own cheering section. With those notes the Rams just might hear her all the way in Michigan.
