12-Year-Old Cancer Survivor Named As Rowdies Anthem Singer

ST. PETERSBURG, FL – Marissa Peddie, 12, who was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia four years ago, has been named the first ever official anthem singer of the Tampa Bay Rowdies. At the age of 10, Marissa stood on the pitch for the first time at Al Lang Stadium at a “Gold Together for Childhood Cancer” match and wowed the crowd with her rendition of the National Anthem. Today, she is cancer free.

"I’m so excited to become the Rowdies’ official anthem singer,” said Marissa. “When the Rowdies asked me if I was interested, I was like OMG, really? Yes! I love coming to the games and cheering the Rowdies to victory.”

Marissa discovered her love of playing keyboard, writing and singing during the challenging two years of chemotherapy treatments at John’s Hopkins All Children’s Hospital. Now she is using her talents to pursue singing and songwriting.

In addition to singing at Rowdies matches, some of Marissa’s performances include The Miss Florida Pageant and singing a song with Sheryl Crow, on stage at the Clearwater Holiday Jazz Festival. When she’s not busy being a 7th grader and playing Minecraft with her friends, Marissa is working on writing and recording her first EP.

Marissa is scheduled to make her debut as the Rowdies’ 2018 official anthem singer on Saturday, March 24 at Al Lang Stadium prior to the team’s home opener against Bethlehem Steel FC, which kicks off at 7:30 p.m. Tickets to the match can be purchased by visiting rowdiessoccer.com or by calling 727-222-2000.

For more information on the Tampa Bay Rowdies and upcoming matches, visit rowdiessoccer.com.

Image via Tampa Bay Rowdies