Last Saturday UCSB beat Fullerton 72-62 in the Big West tourney title game to clinch an automatic bid to this week’s NCAA tournament. The Gauchos only won 17 games last year but have won 27 games this year and clinched the school’s 2nd NCAA tourney bid in the past 3 years. 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. Yesterday HoopsHD’s Jon Teitel got to speak with UCSB Dance Team captain Tevai De Mello about her leadership/advocacy experience.
You were born/raised in San Diego: what made you choose UCSB? Santa Barbara feels like a mini-San Diego, and as someone who considers myself a homebody I am so glad that I am only a 4-hour drive from home. Location aside, UCSB is an amazing school and I am so grateful for all of the opportunities that I have had through UCSB to grow as a student/dancer/person.
You have been dancing for more than a decade: how did you 1st get into dancing, and what is the best part? My mom used to dance when she was younger so she signed me up for a ballet class to see if I would like it too. I did not want to go at first because I was scared to step outside of my comfort zone, but per usual my mom was right and I ended up falling in love with dance. Twelve years later, dance is still my creative outlet and the friendships I have formed through dance are unmatched.
You have been team captain for the past 2 years: what is the key to being a good leader? The most memorable leaders that I have had in my life have always led by example, so I strive to hold myself accountable and to the same standards that I encourage my teammates to uphold. Communication is also a major factor so I think it is important for leaders to cultivate a team dynamic where everyone feels comfortable voicing their own opinions. This mutual respect for your teammates is so beneficial for the overall wellbeing/success of the team.
You are majoring in Psychological and Brain Sciences: how did you choose those subjects? I have always been drawn to psychology because it is relatable/applicable to our everyday lives. I think it is an important subject to study, not only for my own well-being but also for others.
You graduate in a few months: what is the post-graduation plan? Dance is a very important part of my life so I hope to continue dancing professionally after I graduate. I also currently work with an organization called Voice in Sport: I advocate for change regarding Title IX and inequality in our current sports landscape. After I graduate I plan to use my leadership/advocacy experience to further promote these initiatives for the dance community and for other future athletes.
This year at the UDA Collegiate Nationals your team placed 3rd in the nation in D-1 Jazz and 4th in the nation in D-1 Pom: how have you been able to accomplish so much despite being a self-coached/self-funded squad? When you are all working towards a common goal you learn to have a different type of appreciation/respect for one another. Not having a coach taught us how to work as a team. Leaving UDA Nationals with two national titles was even more rewarding knowing that it was our teamwork that got us so far.
Last Saturday in the Big West tourney title game you had a 10-PT win over Fullerton to make the NCAA tourney for the 2nd time in 3 years: what has the reaction been like since returning to campus? This year UCSB started transitioning into a more immersive gameday experience, which has immensely elevated our school spirit. The spirit teams undoubtedly play a major role in this and since returning from the Big West Tournament I have noticed a lot of excitement/admiration. Everyone is so proud of the men’s basketball team for coming out on top as the Big West Champions and we cannot wait to see our school represented in March Madness!
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? The UCSB Athletic department invited each spirit team (Dance/Cheer/Pep Band) to cheer on our Men’s and Women’s Basketball teams at the Big West Tournament, but due to conference rules each spirit team was only allowed a limited number of attendees. Bands were limited to 29 people, while dance/cheer teams can only bring 12 members to sit courtside. A majority of my teammates had schedule conflicts so only eight of us were able to represent the Dance Team at the tournament. This was the first year since COVID that the UCSB spirit teams were able to attend the Big West Tournament. Being reintegrated into the tournament and witnessing the championship win first-hand was an amazing experience! I am just grateful that my team is getting more recognition this year and that I am able to end my era of collegiate dancing on such a high note.
Does your squad have anything extra-special planned for the NCAA tourney? Unfortunately, none of the UCSB spirit teams will not be attending the remainder of the NCAA tournament but we will still be cheering on the Gauchos from our living rooms!
Any predictions for the Gauchos on Friday afternoon vs. Baylor? The Gauchos are as hungry as ever and have been working hard all season so I have full confidence that UCSB will come out on top!