Last Saturday Maryland lost to Michigan 81-80 in the Big 10 tourney semifinals but still earned an at-large bid to this week’s NCAA tournament. The Terps had a losing record last year but have won 25 games this season and are heading to the NCAA tourney for the 3rd time in the past 5 years. Earlier today HoopsHD’s Jon Teitel got to speak with Maryland dancer Bella Ruck about seeing so many close games and making the NCAA tourney.
You are from New Jersey: what made you choose Maryland? I committed to UMD on decision day of my senior year. I was conflicted on where to go to school, but ultimately it came down to the academics, sports environment, school size, proximity to DC, and being the perfect distance from home. Having the ability to try out for the dance team also ended up being one of the best reasons I chose Maryland. Overall, this school has provided me with the balance of my school, social, and dance life.
You are majoring in Public Health Science and minoring in General Business: how did you choose those subjects? I have always been passionate about healthcare, but knew that I wanted to have both the science and business as foundational knowledge in my steps towards a career in healthcare administration. As an incoming freshman, Public Health was a great option because it encompasses many aspects of the healthcare field and was the perfect starting point to navigating my professional goals.
You are a senior: what is the post-graduation plan? I am thinking about how I can keep dance as a part of my life while also looking into obtaining my Master’s in healthcare administration. I have a tentative job offer in New Jersey, but I am trying to keep my options open for right now and am excited about the future.
Your team started this season 3-4 in conference play but won 11 of its final 13 regular season games: has it reached a point where everyone expects the team to win every time that they step onto the court? This basketball season has been my favorite so far out of my four years dancing at Maryland. I am confident that every time this team steps out on the court, they are going to play their hardest and battle to the finish. It is a lot to expect a team to win every game, but I at least know they will always put on their best performance and keep pushing until the end.
What was the highlight of your season so far: beating Wisconsin in January, Senior Day, other? The highlight of the season for me was definitely Senior Day. It was so special to celebrate the seniors on the basketball team as well as our seniors on the Spirit Squad. Being able to perform in front of a packed student section and feel the energy of the atmosphere at the Xfinity Center is a surreal experience that I will forever be grateful for. Any time we are able to win at home is definitely a perk!
Each of your 8 losses this year were by single-digits: is it more fun to cheer for a team that you know will keep fighting to win and never quit? This year we have experienced multiple buzzer-beater losses. It comes down to the final minute of the game, creating a nail-biting, adrenaline-rushing, and overall-exciting game. Knowing they will not back down and will push as hard as they do until the end is what makes this team so special. There is something to be said about our only losses this season being by single-digits: it is a testament to the work put in by the team and the fight they have in them. It makes our role of bringing spirit/energy to the game that much more important.
Last Sunday the Terrapins received an at-large bid to the NCAA tourney: what was the reaction like when you finally heard your school’s name announced on Selection Sunday? I was beyond excited to hear our team announced on Selection Sunday. I traveled to the Men’s Big Ten Tournament and had just arrived home after we lost to the University of Michigan on Saturday by just one point. Watching the power they brought to the game against Illinois and the fight they had against Michigan made me that much more excited for the NCAA tournament. This team has something to prove and I think they are ready to show it.
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? There are many factors that go into who travels to the NCAA tournament. Ultimately, we try to give as many girls as possible the opportunity to travel to the men’s and women’s Big Ten Tournaments as well as both men’s and women’s NCAA tournaments. Luckily both women’s and men’s basketball at Maryland have excelled this year, and we will always be thankful to have the opportunity to travel with them. It is special for family/friends at home to see us on TV and makes us proud to be at these games to support our school.
Does your squad have anything extra-special planned for this week? We are excited about traveling to Seattle for those of us who have not been there before. We have looked at some must-visit spots including the Space Needle, Seattle Great Wheel, Pike Place Market, etc. We are also looking forward to going to the University of Washington because we hear it is a beautiful campus.
Any predictions for your game on Friday vs. GCU? I obviously predict that Maryland will win their game against GCU this Friday and could not be more excited to watch them enter the madness that is March!
