Last Wednesday McNeese beat Lamar 63-54 in the Southland tourney title game to earn an automatic bid to this week’s NCAA tournament. The Cowboys had 11 straight losing seasons from 2013-2023 but have now made back-to-back NCAA tourneys. Earlier today HoopsHD’s Jon Teitel got to speak with McNeese Cowgirl Kicker Whitney Brevelle about being a good student and making the NCAA tourney.
You are from Lake Charles, LA: what made you choose McNeese? I chose McNeese because it was close to home and offered everything I wanted to experience in college. My older sister (Callie) went to McNeese, and I got to witness all the amazing opportunities it gave her. I knew I wanted to experience the same opportunities.
Growing up you played softball for 10 years: how good a player were you back in the day? I played for South Lake Charles Little League, where we won multiple State/District titles up until age 15. I also played tournament softball for 6½ years with LC ICE, where I played every position but was primarily a pitcher. While with ICE, we won a National Championship and the FAFSA Gulf Coast Nationals. Additionally, I was part of the Louisiana Little League team in 2019 when we won a State Championship.
Last year you were named the team’s ROY: what did it mean to you to receive such an outstanding honor? Being named Rookie of the Year was more than an honor. The feeling of knowing that people recognized my growth, hard work, and dedication throughout the year was more than enough: receiving the award itself was the cherry on top! Everyone gives their all to the team throughout the year, so being recognized for my specific hard work meant a lot.
A few months ago you were named to the Fall 2024 President’s Honor List: how do you balance your work on the court with your work in the classroom? Balancing school and dance can be challenging, but it is very manageable! Discipline plays a huge role in it. I always set a goal for myself each semester regarding my grades and then strive to achieve it. To be on the team, you have to maintain a certain GPA, which serves as an additional motivation to earn good grades.
You are a sophomore majoring in general studies and have also done some modeling: do you have a post-graduation plan yet, and any advice for young women who want to get into the industry? I do not have specific plans for after college just yet. One of my dreams is to dance professionally for an NFL or NBA dance team. I would also love to do more modeling after college, once I have the time! The best advice I can give about breaking into the modeling industry is to be 100% yourself and confident in who you are. It may be surprising, but the modeling industry values a great personality, so it is important to put yourself out there and own it.
Your sister Callie was also a Cowgirl Kicker and later danced for the Florida Panthers: how much of an influence was she on your own decision to join the dance team? My sister Callie has always been a huge role model in my life. She has shown, taught, and helped me so much throughout my dance career. I would not be the dancer I am today without her. When I was little, I would watch her dance for McNeese, and it inspired me in so many ways. My decision to dance for McNeese was a no-brainer because it meant I would get to be involved with the university while doing what I love.
Last Wednesday in the Southland tourney title game the Cowboys had a 9-PT home win over Lamar to clinch the title: what was the reaction like after the final buzzer went off, and how excited is everyone on campus this week? At the championship game against Lamar, once the buzzer went off the crowd went wild. Everyone rushed the court, and you could feel the excitement throughout the Legacy Center. It was a close game that kept everyone on the edge of their seats, but it was an exciting watch!
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? According to the NCAA, only 12 spirit squad members can be courtside. Our university decided that 6 Kickers/6 cheerleaders will make the trip. We determine who goes to the tournament based on seniority and talent. I am so excited to experience the tournament this year and cannot wait for my team to perform in front of a different audience to show what we can do. I also cannot wait to see how McNeese performs in the tournament!
Does your squad have anything extra-special planned for next week? During the week, we will have fun bonding as a team, but will also dedicate a lot of time to practice. We are preparing for the NDA College Dance Team Nationals, which will take place at the beginning of April! This is another exciting opportunity we get to experience this year, and it has required a lot of time and dedication.
Any predictions for next week? I hope that we win our first game…and then keep winning after that!
