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 Loyola University Chicago cheerleader Estelle Ryhal about her favorite podcast and how she thinks the Ramblers will do this afternoon.
You are from Bloomington, IN: what made you choose Loyola? I chose Loyola because I was impressed by its wonderful STEM programs and the high post-graduation success rate of its students in the healthcare and related fields. Additionally, I wanted to be a collegiate cheerleader and saw myself being able to succeed and be a leader on this team. I felt like being in Chicago would also force me out of my comfort zone and help me gain independence while also not being too far from home and my family.
You are majoring in biology and minoring in chemistry/women’s studies and gender studies: how did you choose that subject? I chose biology because I am passionate about science and knew that I could make a difference in people’s lives by going into the biology field. I am pre-health, and biology gives me a very well-rounded perspective on the health field. I wanted to augment my biology education with chemistry to give myself an added challenge, and chemistry is fundamental to the understanding of biological processes on both a macroscopic and microscopic level. Finally, I chose women’s studies & gender studies because I find it to be a very important topic and knew that it would give me a more universal understanding of women and gender.
You are a senior: what is the post-graduation plan? At some point, I hope to return to school to pursue a master’s/doctoral degree in a health-related field. In the interim, I plan to spend a couple of years working in a field that will propel me in the direction of those goals. Additionally, I hope to coach a high school cheer team immediately upon graduation and plan to do that for the remainder of my life.
1 of your hobbies is listening to true crime podcasts: any great ones that you recommend to our readers? I highly recommend “Crime Junkie”. Not only is it one of the most thoroughly researched and well-produced true crime podcasts, but it also does a lot of advocacy work, including funding DNA testing for cold cases and through the creation of the non-profit organization Season of Justice. Additionally, the hosts are from Indiana, which creates a special Hoosier connection for me.
How did you 1st get into cheering, and what is the best part? I first got into cheerleading when I switched to a gym with an all-star cheerleading team: I would always get in trouble for being distracted by the cheer team’s stunts ay practice. I tried out at the start of the next season and immediately excelled and have not been able to stop since. My favorite part about cheerleading on a general level is stunting, but overall it is the amazing opportunities I have been granted and, more importantly, the countless wonderful coaches/teammates/colleagues/athletes I have been able to work with.
Your team has won 21+ games for the 2nd straight year: is it more fun to support the team when they are doing well? While a highly successful season is always exciting, I love being a Rambler and cheering on Loyola through the highs and the lows is a gift in any case!
What has been the highlight of your season so far: starting 8-0, Senior Night, other? The highlight of my season this year has been competing at the UCA College Cheerleading National Championship. I have competed through UCA at the national level since sophomore year of high school and this year it was more special than ever. I focused on being present and enjoying every moment and I am extremely proud to say that our team placed 7th in the nation after being bumped up to a more competitive/advanced division.
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? The choice of who travels with the team is based on several factors, but mainly seniority/stunt positions. I am lucky enough to be travelling to this tournament with six of my best friends/teammates who have helped shape who I am as a person and cheerleader, three of whom are also seniors. More than anything, I feel lucky to have the opportunity to continue to cheer with them at least one more time and continue to make core memories with them.
Does your squad have anything extra-special planned for this week? We spent Thursday exploring DC, including the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History as well as some of the monuments. I also expect we will have some sort of team dinner at some point. We are lucky enough to get to travel with our dance team and pep band (the Band of Wolves), which always makes these trips that much better. We truly are a family!
The Ramblers are the #4 seed this week: how far do you think they will go? I have no doubt that the Ramblers will go all the way…and further!
