MADISON – In trying to decide between soccer and swimming, nine-year-old Greyson Franks cannot chose a favorite sport as his number one avocation.

“I love them both,” Greyson said. “Soccer and swimming challenge me and teach me how to be friends with others. It also teaches me how to be a team player and be kind to my teammates and the opposing teams.”

Competition has another ‘perk’ for Greyson. “I love beating people, too. Swim helps my body to grow stronger and pushes me to swim faster. I like running fast and scoring in soccer.”

In other pursuits, Greyson plays positions of forward and midfield in soccer. In spring/summer months, he loves participating with Red Stone Launchers summer swim team. Previously, Greyson played as first- and second-baseman in baseball, and in Upward flat football, he played center and defensive lineman.

A third-grader, Greyson is a home-school student like his siblings. “I take piano lessons at the Hawthorne Conservatory. I love playing the piano. It’s one of my favorite things to do every day,” he said.

“I am very thankful that I have a home and a mom and dad that love me. I was adopted when I was four years old from China,” Greyson said. “I remember when my parents came to get me. I was very happy.”

Greyson has six siblings: Kailey Brown and “super cool brother-in-law George”; Brady, 21, who’s in college and plays football and wrestles with Greyson; Esther in eleventh grade; sixth-grader Josie; third-grader Ruthey; and six-year-old Havah, who “is very special and has Down Syndrome.”

“Kailey and Brady grew in my mom’s belly, but me and my other siblings were adopted from China. We grew in my mom’s heart instead,” Greyson said.

“My dad Gregory Franks is my hero. He was in the Army. He was a soldier. Now, he works with Total Quality Systems as a program manager,” Greyson said. “My mom Kimberly Franks home-schools me every day and teaches me. My favorite subject is American history.”

Greyson’s family moved to Madison with his job after he retired from the Army in Washington D.C.

Q & A

Q: What are your favorite restaurants in Madison?

A: Smashburger and Cracker Barrel.

Q: What’s your favorite food?

A: Chicken and dumplings.

Q: What are your favorite sports teams?

A: Auburn University Tigers.

Q: What is your favorite sports memory?

A: Greyson will always remember in soccer when “I kicked a high ball in the air to my teammate, and he kicked the ball in the goal. It was so awesome!”

Q: What do you like to do in your free time?

A: “Play the piano and I also like to build all kinds of cool things with LEGOs.”