Last Wednesday McNeese beat Nicholls State 92-76 in the Southland tourney title game to earn an automatic bid to next week’s NCAA tournament. The Cowboys have finished with a losing record every single year since 2013 but are now 30-3 and heading to their 1st NCAA tourney since 2002. Yesterday HoopsHD’s Jon Teitel got to speak with McNeese Cowgirl Kicker Maci Quayhagen about her team’s storybook season.
You are from Leesville, LA: what made you choose McNeese? Ever since I was little I have been coming here for games because my brother played football here. I knew that I always wanted to be a Kicker after watching them on the sideline.
You are majoring in business management: why did you choose that subject? I did not know what I wanted to do at 1st, like most college kids, but I have seen my mom help run a dance studio and my brother owns a gym. They have been very inspiring to me.
You are a senior: what is the post-graduation plan? I am still not ready to let go of dance so I might try out for some other teams. I also started coaching a local AFL team so I will see where dance takes me.
You are the Assistant Director/Choreographer for the AFL Louisiana Voodoo Dolls: how do the pro dancers compare to the college dancers? We are just starting our 1st year but there does not seem to be much of a difference yet: you just cheer on your team.
You have been dancing for most of your life: what is the best part of being on the dance team? Just having that bond between the girls: people say it is “more than dance”…but it is true. We learn/grow together and you will always have your team behind you.
You were a co-captain last year and are captain this year: what is the key to being a good leader? There are some bumps in the road but our coaches make it so easy because they are so welcoming. We are the bridge between the director and the team: it just comes naturally and is a lot of fun.
You have won 5 national dance titles: did you have to build a new trophy room to display all your hardware?! My room at home/closet are full of trophies so that is up to my mom!
You played basketball for 8 years: as someone who understands the sport what has impressed you the most about this year’s Southland tourney champs? Just seeing how the team works together: even during our small glimpses of practice they always cheer each other on without any drama. As someone who loves the sport I think it is awesome.
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? We were told that 12 members of the spirit squad get to attend: 6 Kickers and 6 cheerleaders. Our 4 seniors will be attending and 1 of our 3 juniors could not make it so the other 2 will go.
Any predictions for next week? I hope that we can win a couple of games and see where that takes us. I am just going to be excited to be there cheering on the Cowboys: it is a dream come true and I cannot wait for the opportunity.