Conference tournaments are about basketball but also so much more: the fans, parents, bands, cheerleaders, etc. The A-10 Tournament is taking place this week in Washington, DC, and we could not be more excited to be there in person! HoopsHD is covering all the angles so you can look forward to an abundance of access in the days ahead. Jon Teitel continues our coverage from DC with an interview of VCU cheerleader Raegan Willis about being a captain and how she thinks the Rams will do this week.
You grew up in Maryland/Virginia: what made you choose VCU? I liked the welcoming environment of Richmond, and it was not too far away from home.
You are a double-majoring in homeland security/criminal justice with concentration in forensic crime scene investigation and minoring in gender/women/sexuality studies: how did you choose those subjects? I grew up wanting to help people and watched a lot of crime shows with my dad growing up.
You are a senior: what is the post-graduation plan? I hope to work for the Arlington Police Department if I get in. If not, then hopefully some government job.
You are captain of the team: what is the key to being a good leader? Listening to your teammates and hearing people out. You must be willing to be there for your teammates no matter the circumstance and put the team 1st: almost as if you are the “team mom”!
How did you 1st get into cheering, and what is the best part? My mom is a cheer coach so I started in middle school and cheered for her throughout high school. I enjoy stunting but hanging out with my teammates is the best part: we have bonded very well together.
The Rams have not had a single losing season during the 21st century: is it more fun to cheer for a team when they are so successful? It is the best part, especially with the crowd involvement. Continuing that winning streak is very exciting.
How does your school decide who gets to go to DC, and what will it mean to you to see your group doing its thing in front of a national TV audience? We use our seniors the most and then see who wants to go. It is pretty exciting: we have a good group and will show our skills to everyone while supporting our basketball team.
Does your squad have anything extra-special planned for this week? Not that I know of, but we are going to Daytona to cheer at nationals so hopefully we will finish ranked very high.
Your team has made the NCAA tourney during each of the past 3 odd-numbered years (2019/2021/2023): do you think they will continue the trend in 2025? Hopefully because I am ready to travel!
