Last Sunday Illinois beat Ohio State by 3 PTS in OT in the Big 10 tourney title game to earn an automatic bid to this week’s NCAA tournament. The Illini started 9-5 this season but won 14 of 15 since then to make the NCAA tourney for the 1st time since 2013. In addition to shining a light on the players who got the job done on the court, it is also important to recognize the spirited students who have worked just as hard on the sidelines, such as band members/cheerleaders/dancers. Earlier this week HoopsHD’s Jon Teitel got to speak with Molly Tuskey about her love of basketball and not being able to join the basketball team in Indianapolis this week.
You grew up in Naperville, IL: what made you choose Illinois for college? I knew that I wanted to be at a Big 10 school because of the amazing academics, school spirit, and competitive athletics. When I made the dance team and had the opportunity to dance in Big 10 stadiums along with receiving a great education, I knew that Illinois was the one.
You started dancing at age 3 and have been on the team for the past 4 years: what is your favorite part of being a dancer? My favorite part about being a dancer is getting to be on the sideline and right in the middle of the action of the sporting events that we dance at. We really get to be a part of the games and help provide that amazing Illinois school spirit.
You were captain as a senior in high school: what is the key to being a good leader? I believe that the key to being a good leader is communicating with your team and giving them the same respect that they give you. Creating a culture of positivity and respect is truly the key to a happy team.
What does the dance team do at basketball games during a normal year? During a normal basketball game we participate in many ways. We give spirit to the crowd as the team warms up, then we move to the sideline where we do cheers with the cheerleaders as well as our own short dances. During timeouts we go onto the court to do sideline dances and pump up the crowd: in the first half we always perform a 1-minute routine choreographed by a member of the team. Throughout the game we cheer on the team and continue to keep the crowd’s energy up: we love being a part of gameday!
What do you think the role of a college dance team is today, and how has it changed over time? In the past I think that college dance teams have been more focused on entertainment value, but as the years go on dance teams are becoming their own recognized programs. They cheer on the team they are dancing for, but they also showcase their own special skills and abilities.
You are majoring in elementary education: why did you pick that subject, and what is the post-graduation plan? I have always loved working with children and want to be someone who can positively influence future generations to be the best they can be. My post-graduation plan is to be an elementary teacher in the surrounding suburbs of my hometown.
How do you like basketball, and is that your favorite sport? I love basketball, especially college basketball. The energy in the State Farm Center is unmatched and really makes me feel like I am a part of something amazing!
On Sunday the Illini had a 3-PT OT win over Ohio State in the Big 10 tourney title game: how excited was the student body after the win to give you your 1st NCAA tourney appearance since 2013 (since last year’s tourney was canceled)? The student body could not be more excited about the win on Sunday. We have been waiting for this team to get the recognition it deserves so watching them receive that trophy was awesome. People were running around campus, honking horns on Green Street, and having celebrations everywhere!
Due to COVID your team has been unable to participate this season and you will not be traveling with the team to Indianapolis this week: how frustrating is it to be a dancer for a great basketball team during a pandemic? It is quite frustrating to be a dancer during this time because Sophie and I (along with the other seniors) have been cheering on this team for the past three years no matter how successful they were. To now see our team doing so well and be unable to dance alongside them at the tournament is very sad, but we still love to continue cheering them on from home together!
You are playing Drexel on Friday: any predictions? I am so excited to watch Illinois play in the tournament and I predict that we are going to win this Friday!