Conference tournaments are about basketball but also so much more: the fans, bands, cheerleaders, etc. The CAA Tournament is taking place this weekend in Washington, DC, and we could not be more excited to be there in person! HoopsHD will be covering all of the action so you can look forward to a cascade of coverage in the days ahead. Jon Teitel keeps things going with Charleston Cougarette Deja Nicholes, who talked about being a captain and her prediction for the Cougars.
You grew up in Utah: what made you choose Charleston? I am actually a transfer student. I wanted to venture out and COVID gave me the opportunity to research some good dance teams in this region and Charleston kept popping up. I moved here on a whim so it was a very impulsive decision but I came here to join the dance team.
How long have you been a dancer, and what is the best part? I have been dancing since age 3. The best part is the people who are brought into your life: the friends I have made here are truly like family.
You have been captain of the Cougarettes Dance Team for each of the past 2 seasons: what is the key to being a good leader? Communication with my teammates and always trying to set a good example. I try to think about how I would want someone to be leading me.
This will be your 2nd time attending the CAA Tournament: what do you remember about the 1st time? The tourney last year was truly the trip of a lifetime. It was so fun to represent our school in a new area. We got to check out the town during the day and then come together for a big celebration.
You are graduating in a couple of months: what is your major, and what is the post-college plan? I am majoring in Sociology so the plan is to get my masters’ degree and then do some social work. I would love to dance on a pro team or on a cruise ship and keep getting my education.
What has been your favorite moment so far this season: upsetting Virginia Tech back in November, your 20-game winning streak in the middle of the season, Senior Night, other? You just hit all 3 on the head! The entire season and the environment that we created is something that I will take with me forever. The final 2 home wins over Towson/Stony Brook were electric so it was nice to end it in a big way.
Your basketball team had a few mediocre years before exploding this year with a record of 28-3: what is the atmosphere like on campus now that the conference tournament is finally here? I can tell that everyone is super-invested: I know so many people who have plans to watch the tourney. Last year was an average season but I love that I got to go out this year with a great student section. It is really cool to see everyone coming together and wanting us to win.
How does your school decide who gets to go to DC, and what will it mean to you to see your group doing its thing in front of a national TV audience? It is based on seniority…which is perfect because we have 3 seniors/3 juniors. I love the chance to be on TV so that we can show off our school with dance/cheer/band. It is fun to get a glimpse of the spotlight.
Does your squad have anything extra-special planned for this weekend? We are doing a routine choreographed by our 3 seniors, which will be really special. This is a huge tourney and we have some really good dances up our sleeves.
Any predictions for your 1st game on Sunday? I think we will definitely win that game and then move on to the next round.