On Sunday Illinois beat Wisconsin 93-87 in the Big 10 tourney title game to earn an automatic bid to this week’s NCAA tournament. The Illini had made the NCAA tourney each of the past 3 years and are now heading back this year as a #3-seed. Earlier today HoopsHD’s Jon Teitel got to speak with Illinois cheerleader Bri Hendren-Santiago about her team’s remarkable run.
You are from Bloomington, IL: what made you choose Illinois? For starters, the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign is a renowned institution known for its strong academic programs, research opportunities, and vibrant campus life. I was especially attracted to their business program…and I grew up coming to Illinois’ campus as both of my older brothers, my grandparents, and two of my aunts went here for undergrad. I loved how students at UIUC have access to cutting-edge resources and facilities. Finally, its location in Urbana-Champaign, Illinois, provides a supportive environment for both academic and personal growth being that I am far enough away from home, but still super-close if I need anything from my family!
You are majoring in Finance: why did you choose that subject? My first introduction to the finance world was through my dad’s job as a Financial Advisor. Being exposed to different facets of the financial industry at a young age, I developed a passion and fascination for the stock market and investing in general. I realized how important it was to develop savings plans for different areas of your life. Just like my dad, I want to help people reach their financial goals and feel secure with their savings. I recognized that the industry fit my outgoing personality and also continuously sparked my curiosity.
Your hobbies include hiking/golfing/horseback riding: which of these give you the best workout? I would say that hiking probably gives me the best workout. It helps me work on my endurance, builds leg strength, and (for some hikes that I have done) builds upper-body strength. It is really a full-body workout that is rewarded with a beautiful view at the end!
You are a senior: what is the post-graduation plan? After graduation, I am moving to Chicago to work as a financial analyst in Private Wealth Management at Goldman Sachs.
You are a captain this year: what is the key to being a good leader? As a captain, the key to being a good leader is effective communication and leading by example. It is important to communicate clearly with team members, listen to their concerns, and provide guidance/support when needed. Leading by example means demonstrating a strong work ethic, positive attitude, and commitment to the team’s goals. Additionally, fostering a supportive and inclusive team environment where everyone feels valued and motivated can contribute to the team’s success.
In the Big 10 tourney title game last Sunday Illinois had a 6-PT win over Wisconsin: how excited was everyone after the final buzzer, and what was the reaction like when you got back to campus? After the Big 10 tournament title game last Sunday, the atmosphere was electric. The excitement was palpable as fans celebrated the victory, especially considering it was a hard-fought win over Wisconsin. When the final buzzer sounded, there was an eruption of cheers and celebrations from both the Illinois players and the fans. Confetti everywhere, too (which most cheerleaders took home as a souvenir)! Upon returning to campus, the reaction from all the students was extremely prideful. Students, faculty, and fans celebrated the team’s success through gatherings, rallies, or other events to commemorate the achievement. Overall, it was a memorable and joyous weekend for the Illinois community.
The Illini have now made the NCAA tourney for 4 straight years: did you get to cheer in Des Moines in 2023/Pittsburgh in 2022/Indianapolis in 2021? I have been lucky enough to cheer at the NCAA tournaments in Des Moines and Pittsburgh. Neither of them turned out the way we would have hoped, but they were still amazing experiences!
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 team primarily travels based on seniority. Coach values the time and effort that 4-year members have put into the program and rewards them by allowing them to travel to these big tournaments. With that being said, there is a clear expectation of skill ability and game-day readiness. For me, seeing our group doing its thing in front of a national TV audience is extremely exciting. It is seeing the product of hard work, dedication, and a season’s worth of effort. It is an opportunity to showcase our skills on a national stage. For our seniors, it is a chance to leave our mark and potentially create unforgettable moments that will be remembered for years to come. For all of us, it is a source of excitement to see our school represented and to cheer on our team as they strive for success. Overall, the NCAA tournament is a special and memorable experience for everyone involved.
Does your squad have anything extra-special planned for the NCAA tourney? Overall, we just hope to make the most out of every day that we are in different cities. We eat dinners as a team and look for fun team-bonding activities!
Any predictions for your game vs. Morehead State in Omaha on Thursday, and how far can this team go in the tourney? The outcome of the game against Morehead State will depend on various factors such as team preparation, player performance, and in-game strategies. I do not know much about Morehead State outside of their seeding…but I will be doing everything in my power to cheer the Illini onto victory! As for how far the team can go in the tournament, it is difficult to predict with certainty as the NCAA tournament is known for its unpredictability/upsets. However, based on the team’s talent, performance throughout the season, and seeding in the tournament, they have the potential to make a deep run and compete against some of the top teams in the nation. Ultimately, it will come down to how well the team executes its game plan and performs under pressure during each game of the tournament. I am very proud of our team this year and I am hoping they are able to continue this positive energy throughout the tournament!