Last Thursday San Diego State lost to Boise State in the MWC tourney but still earned an at-large bid to this week’s NCAA tournament. The Aztecs have now had a winning season for 20 straight years and are heading back to the NCAA tourney for the 5th year in a row. Earlier today HoopsHD’s Jon Teitel got to speak with San Diego State dancer SR Kailey Lagestee about being a captain and making the NCAA tourney.
*NOTE: special thanks to Kailey for taking time out of her busy day to answer these questions literally hours before her team takes the court tonight in the 1st 4!
You grew up in Orange County, CA: what made you choose San Diego State? I chose San Diego State because of the beautiful location, strong child development program, and collegiate-level dance team. The dance team was a significant factor in why I chose SDSU: I fell in love with the family-oriented environment, as well as the dedication/passion the team radiates.
You are majoring in Early Childhood Development: how did you choose that subject? My love for working with kids began at a young age due to my large family. My major in Early Childhood Development has given me the opportunity to work in several different childcare settings.
You are a senior: what is the post-graduation plan? Having the opportunity to be exposed to working in childcare, I have developed a love for teaching elementary education. I will be working to receive my teaching credential after graduation.
You have been captain of the dance team for the past 3 years: what is the key to being a good leader? After being a captain of the San Diego State dance team for three years, I have learned several factors that contribute to being a strong leader. Gaining the respect of my teammates by leading by example and putting the team first, while also creating strong connections and relationships with my teammates, helps make them feel supported.
You were a 2-time silver medalist at UDA College Nationals: what did it mean to you to receive such outstanding honors? Receiving the opportunity to compete at such a high-caliber competition is a privilege in itself. Being able to represent our university proudly in the D1A hip-hop category is extremely rewarding. Being one of the few all-girl teams in this category and receiving two silver medals in this division is a huge honor, thanks to our consistent hard work.
The Aztecs have made some great postseason runs in recent years: do you have a favorite memory? In 2024 the Aztecs made it to the Sweet 16, and a core memory from those games includes cheering at the game against Yale. The energy in the arena was unmatched and the players’ confidence radiated throughout the venue.
1 of your hobbies is exploring new restaurants: do you have a favorite cuisine? Choosing a favorite cuisine is difficult, but while in San Diego I have loved exploring several Mexican restaurants.
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 typically decides who goes to the NCAA by seniority and several other factors throughout the year. Watching our team on national television is such a privilege due to the love and dedication we have for cheering on the Aztecs.
Does your squad have anything extra-special planned for this week? We plan to cheer on the Aztecs’ men’s team at their First Four NCAA tournament game, and are also cheering on the women’s team at their First Round NCAA tournament game in Louisiana.
Any predictions for your game tonight vs. North Carolina in Dayton? I believe we will have an Aztec win! We will always support and cheer on the Aztecs.
