Conference tournaments are about basketball but also so much more: the fans, parents, bands, cheerleaders, etc. The CAA Tournament tips off this week in Washington, DC, and we could not be more excited to be there in person! HoopsHD will be covering all the angles so you can look forward to an abundance of articles in the week ahead. Jon Teitel continues our coverage with an interview of North Carolina A&T cheerleader Alivia Barrow.
You are from Greensboro, NC: what made you choose NC A&T? There were 2 main factors: engineering program, and my wish to stay close to home.
You are majoring in Chemical Engineering: why did you choose that subject? It is the broadest engineering degree so I can do anything with it. I want to go into sustainability and environmental process engineering.
You are a senior: what is the post-graduation plan? I will be working for Sonoco Products Company in Hartsville, SC. I will be a process engineer doing environmentalism.
Why are issues like sustainability/recycling so important in 2024? It is due to the growing population of our planet: as we get more people, we also get more trash that is not biodegradable. We need to better our community and make sure that we have a planet left for future generations.
You have spent time volunteering at a food pantry and with the Red Cross: how much importance do you place on community service? It is so important, especially in the African-American community. Being able to show your face is important for young people to see: we need to help each other and better our world.
Last summer you received a Blue Cross NC Finish Line Scholarship as a female student athlete who exemplifies leadership/integrity/community: what was your reaction when you learned the good news? I have received small scholarships in the past but when they told me I would be getting $25,000 it did not seem real!
You are a co-captain of the cheer team: what is the key to being a good leader? Communication is key. Empathy is also important: you need to hear people out so you can understand the situation.
Last year at the National Cheerleading Association College Nationals your team finished .0925 of a point shy of 1st place: what will it take to win a ring next month? Dedication to the desire to redeem ourselves: we know it is coming our way this year.
Your basketball team is 7-24 this year: does it make your job harder when the team is not winning more games? It does…but also makes it fun for me to motivate everyone by getting louder and doing whatever I can to support the team.
Any predictions for your CAA tourney game vs. William & Mary today? I hope we win: both teams are good…but A&T all the way!