Last Friday Miami lost to Duke 85-78 in the ACC tourney semifinals but still received an at-large bid to this week’s NCAA tournament. The Hurricanes only won 10 games in 2021 but have now won 25+ games in back-to-back seasons and clinched the school’s 2nd straight NCAA tourney bid. 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 today HoopsHD’s Jon Teitel got to speak with Miami Sunsations Dancer Allison Marsh about being a captain.
You are from Highlands Ranch, CO: what made you choose Miami? I only applied to schools that had warmer weather than Colorado. I loved Miami after I checked it out and the environment is so amazing that it was the best decision for me.
You have been dancing for most of your life: how did you 1st get into it, and what is the best part? I started dancing when I was 3 years old. I think that my mom wanted me to have something active to do so that I could channel my energy outside our house. I do not know what my life would be without it.
You are the Competition Captain for the Sunsations Dance Team: what is the key to being a good leader? I lead the competition part of our season that includes UDA Nationals in Orlando in January. It is such a spectacular event and I work with the coaches by leading the practices for both jazz/hip-hop. I help with choreography/formations to create 2 great competition pieces.
You are majoring in Health Science on the Pre-Medical Track and minoring in Public Health/Biology/Art History: why did you choose those subjects? I always knew that I wanted to be a doctor: both of my parents are physicians and I have spent a lot of time with them at hospitals. Miami has a spectacular pre-med program…and I also love art history classes.
What is the post-graduation plan? I was accepted into the Miller School of Medicine at Miami so I take the MCAT in April and then will start classes this fall.
You are a big skier: do you have a favorite ski destination? Vail is where I have always skied: it is a Colorado rite of passage to be on a ski team at a resort. I do not get the chance to ski much in Miami but I do miss it.
Your team won 25 games this year before losing to Duke in the ACC tourney semifinals last Friday: what is the mood like on campus now that the NCAA tourney is finally here? The hype is insane! Our home stadium is always sold out and the fans are incredibly loud.
How does your school decide who gets to go to the NCAA tourney, and what will it mean to you to see your group doing its thing in front of a national TV audience? Our coaches select who will travel, which is such a spectacular opportunity. I love performing at Coral Gables but it is great to dance elsewhere as well.
Does your squad have anything extra-special planned for Albany, and how cold is it outside?! It is really cold and feeling a bit like home! We are doing a halftime dance with a routine that we performed at the FSU football game. We are also working with Erin Andrews (who will let us wear some items from her clothing line) and are getting some more hype with a new video we are filming for our TikTok page.
Any predictions for the Hurricanes tonight vs. Drake? I think it will be a Canes win. I hope that everyone is healthy and that we just do what we have been doing all season: there have been enough upsets so far!