In The Beginning …

Organized in 2002 by coach Sharon Myrick and her sister-in-law Donna Myrick after watching specials needs teams compete at CHEERSPORT NATIONALS in Atlanta, Georgia, Maryland Twisters Eye of the Storm was one of the first cheerleading teams in the nation specifically for athletes with special needs.

A huge influence behind the success of Eye of the Storm is former member – and son of coach Sharon – Jimmy Myrick. Jimmy was very passionate about Eye of the Storm. Quickly becoming “the face” of Eye of the Storm, Jimmy would wow the crowd with his showmanship and skills – even in his wheelchair. In 2015 Jimmy was featured in the film “Champions League 2” produced by Nfinity and was honored with the Maryland Twister Spirit Award, and the IEP (Independent Event Producers) Award from Cheer and Dance Extreme. Jimmy always hit the mat and competed like the champion that he was, even after being diagnosed and bravely battling Leukemia for 4 years. He gave 110% at every performance to inspire hope in others battling cancer, until his death on February 12, 2016. Jimmy paved the way for athletes of all abilities to be accepted and respected in the competitive all star cheerleading World. Jimmy is immensely missed by everyone who knew him. #TeamJimmy

Currently, Eye is comprised of athletes who range in age from 18-34. Each Eye athlete has various health/emotional/intellectual physical challenges: Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Down Syndrome, neurological disorders, emotional disorders, behavior issues, social anxiety … but none of them let their challenges stop them from performing a 2:30 routine unassisted – successfully.

Eye of the Storm competes and travels a similar schedule to the Maryland Twisters’ local and travel teams. The team trains eleven months out of the year: two-to-three hour practices twice per week (sometimes three days per week before a big competition). Eye parents believe participating in competitive all star cheerleading is an opportunity for their children to grow and experience a sport “just like other kids.”

Eye athletes are proud to represent the legacy that Jimmy helped build. Eye has been national champions and an inspiration for all athletes in the competitive cheerleading world. Almost 18 years later and the “CheerAbilities” competitive division continues to grow … and Eye of the Storm continues to be successful.

Eye of the Storm has earned numerous local and national titles over the last 17 seasons. Most recently, those titles include: 

THE EYE FAMILY | Eye of the Storm is very close-knit; athletes and their families are supportive of one another on and off the mats. The experiences shared by athletes on Eye of the Storm are, literally, life-changing. The importance of building friendships, learning to work with teammates, accountability and gaining confidence cannot be measured. Eye athletes learn many life skills inside of the gym that make them successful … skills that also transition to success and achieving goals at school and work.

Physically, the exercises and conditioning that is done inside the gym, coupled with the at-home workouts, keep our athletes active, fit and healthy. 

Socially, our athletes enjoy friendships and events outside of team practices. With today’s technology, if athletes aren’t able to hang out in-person, they can often be found texting, talking or FaceTiming one another. The bonds made are special and life-long.