Last Sunday Utah State earned an at-large bid to this week’s NCAA tournament. The Aggies started this year 12-3 and are now back in the NCAA tourney for the 2nd time since 2019. 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 Kalli Capener about seeing Sam Merrill’s famous shot last March and not being able to join the basketball team in Indianapolis this afternoon.
You grew up in Utah: what made you choose Utah State? Both of my parents graduated from Utah State but what really helped me make my decision was when I made the cheer team.
You have been on the Spirit Squad for the last 3 years: what is your favorite part of being a cheerleader? My favorite part about being a cheerleader is getting to cheer at all the games. There is nothing like walking into Maverick Stadium or the Spectrum on game day. I also love all of the friendships that I have made throughout the years.
What does the cheer team do at basketball games during a normal year? During a normal year we get to cheer down on the sideline: it is so fun being so close to the action! We would also usually get to perform our dances and stunt routines at center court. It has been kind of sad this year to only showcase videos of a few of our routines.
What do you think the role of a college cheer team is today, and how has it changed over time? I think the role of a college cheer team is to really bring the energy to games. Some games are not as exciting as others but we are there to keep the energy up no matter what. With all of the COVID restrictions this year it is even more important for us to bring the Aggie school spirit to every game. Another role for us is to be entertaining to the crowd. This has changed over the years because cheer stunts and tricks are always becoming more and more advanced.
At the 2020 MWC tourney you got to cheer for the Aggies when they beat San Diego State in the final seconds (www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Fu5FxMqqOw): where does that rank among the most fantastic finishes that you have ever seen? That game was the most intense and exciting game I have ever cheered at. I will never forget that feeling of being down on the court: it will always be one of my favorite cheer memories. It was so amazing to witness Sam Merrill’s game-winning shot in person: this definitely takes the #1 spot for most fantastic finishes!
You are majoring in communicative disorders and deaf education: why did you pick those subjects, and what is the post-graduation plan? I chose communicative disorders and deaf education because I want a career where I could help people. After graduation, I plan on working towards a masters’ degree in Speech Pathology. I love little kids and elderly people, and with speech pathology I would be able to work with both age groups. It is also a good job to have when you are a mom, which I plan on becoming one day.
How do you like basketball, and is that your favorite sport? It is so hard to pick a favorite sport: I love cheering at all of the sporting events but basketball might be my most favorite.
Last Saturday Utah State had an 11-PT loss to San Diego State in the MWC tourney title game: how nervous were you on Selection Sunday, and how did it feel to hear your team’s name called? To be honest, I was a little bit nervous going into Selection Sunday. I was so happy when Utah State had their name called. I am glad they get the opportunity to go this year since we were unable to go last year because of COVID.
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 cheerleader for a great basketball team during a pandemic? It is really disappointing that we are unable to travel with the team. We have had such great basketball teams during the past three years that I have been on the Spirit Squad. Traveling with the team is something I look forward to every year. It is so fun to cheer them on throughout the season: I would have done anything to go to Vegas this year and of course to Indianapolis this weekend.
You are playing Texas Tech today: any predictions? I think if we play our very best then it will be an entertaining game to watch: I will be cheering for the Aggies no matter what!