Last Saturday Bryant beat Maine 79-59 in the America East tourney title game to earn an automatic bid to this week’s NCAA tournament. The Bulldogs started this season 6-9 but have only lost 2 games since New Year’s Eve and are heading back to the NCAA tourney for the 2nd time in 4 years. Yesterday HoopsHD’s Jon Teitel got to speak with Bryant dancer Lauren Poor about being a good leader and making the NCAA tourney.
You are from North Andover, MA: what made you choose Bryant? I actually transferred into Bryant midway through my freshman year: I was previously attending and dancing at a school out west but I quickly got very homesick. I missed my family/dog/house and New England in general. I applied to a few schools throughout Massachusetts/Rhode Island, while also connecting with the head coach of the Dance Team at Bryant (Toni Gravel). After getting into Bryant, I ultimately chose it because I loved the school size, location, academic statistics…and the fact that Toni was going to let me join the team.
You are captain of the dance team: what is the key to being a good leader? As captain of the team, I believe the key to being a good leader is leading by example and fostering a positive/supportive environment. A strong leader sets the tone for the team by showing commitment, work ethic, and passion for the craft. It is important to demonstrate resilience and confidence, especially when facing challenges, because the team looks to you for guidance and inspiration. Another key aspect is communication. A good leader makes sure everyone feels heard, whether it is about choreography, concerns, or personal challenges. Open/honest communication helps build trust within the team and ensures that everyone is on the same page, which is crucial for success in both practice and performance. Finally, being a team player is essential. A leader is not above the team: they are part of it. I make sure to support each dancer, recognize their strengths, and encourage them to grow. When the team feels valued and included, they’re more motivated and confident in their roles.
You are majoring in communication: how did you choose that subject? I chose to major in Communication because it perfectly aligns with my passion for connecting with others and helping people understand each other more effectively. I have always been fascinated by how different forms of communication can shape relationships, both personal and professional. Whether it is through body language, media, or verbal interactions, communication is such a powerful tool, and I wanted to study it in depth to improve my skills and learn how to help others do the same. It is a subject that offers endless opportunities for growth, and I know it will serve me well in both my academic and professional life.
You are a senior: what is the post-graduation plan? It is still up in the air. I know I want to graduate from Bryant and get a job where I can take what I have learned in school and apply it to the real world. I want to do something I enjoy, meet more people, and honestly just do whatever makes me happy! Along with this, I want to find a way to continue to keep dance in my life.
1 of your hobbies is traveling: any destination recommendations for our readers? There are so many! I love Hilton Head Island in South Carolina. My grandparents used to live there, and it was my absolute favorite place to visit growing up. The scenery, weather, and animals are all beautiful and there is always something to do. Along with this, I love Disney World. A lot of planning goes into a trip there, but it is so worth it. My favorite traveling memories growing up involve going to Disney with my family and friends.
Last Saturday in the America East tourney title game the Bulldogs had a win over Maine to clinch the title: what was the reaction like after the final buzzer went off, and how excited is everyone on campus this week? After the final buzzer went off and the Bulldogs clinched the win over Maine, the excitement was absolutely insane! The whole gym erupted in cheers, and you could feel the energy from the players/coaches/fans. It was such a huge moment for the team, and you could see the pure joy and relief on their faces after all the hard work paid off. There were hugs, high-fives, and tears of joy (especially from me!): everyone was just so thrilled for the team’s success! As for the campus this week, the excitement is through the roof. There is a sense of pride and excitement for March Madness all around. Students, faculty, and alumni are all buzzing with excitement and it feels like everyone is talking about the win.
Your team started this season 6-9 but has won 17 of its past 19 games: has it reached a point where everyone expects the team to win every time that they step onto the court? Absolutely! After starting the season 6-9, the team has really turned things around, and with 17 wins in their past 19 games, there was definitely a growing expectation that the Bulldogs can win every time they step onto the court. The team’s resilience and determination have been impressive: each player has really bought into the system and their confidence is through the roof. The winning streak has not only boosted the team’s morale but also raised the expectations from fans and the campus community. When you see a team perform at such a high level, you start to believe they can overcome any challenge. It is not just about winning anymore: it is about maintaining that level of excellence and continuing to dominate. While there is always a level of respect for every opponent, the Bulldogs are stepping onto the court with the mindset that they can win every game, and that belief is contagious.
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? The Bryant University Spirit Program is a huge program and presence on campus. Twelve of us get to go (per NCAA rules) to cheer on the team. This is decided on game day presence, performance value, and overall attitude. It is a great honor and a once-in-a-lifetime experience. As a dance team member traveling to cheer them on, it is such an exciting and proud moment! Our role is to support the team in every way we can. Knowing that we are there, cheering them on and helping bring that energy to the court is so meaningful. It is not just about showing school spirit: it is about being part of something bigger, and witnessing the team’s hard work pay off on such a huge platform will be surreal. It is amazing to think that the Bulldogs are getting this kind of recognition, and it makes me even prouder to be part of Bryant University.
Does your squad have anything extra-special planned for next week? We will be preparing performances and getting ready to travel to Cleveland for the game against Michigan State. It is busy, as we are also preparing for our own National Championships, but we are so excited and gearing up for this experience.
Any predictions for your game on Friday vs. Michigan State in Cleveland? Even though Bryant is a smaller school, I have no doubt that the team will play their hearts out this week. All season long they have shown their determination, skill, and teamwork. The Bulldogs have proven they can compete with the best, and their hard work/resilience will be on full display in the NCAA tournament. I expect them to come out with a fierce mentality and give it their all, regardless of who they face. They have earned their spot and they will play with everything they have got. No matter the opponent, we know they are ready to show the world what Bryant is made of!
