Last week Georgia lost to Oklahoma 81-75 in the SEC tourney but still earned an at-large bid to this week’s NCAA tournament. The Bulldogs lost 26 games in 2022 but are now heading back in the NCAA tourney for the 1st time since 2015. Yesterday HoopsHD’s Jon Teitel got to speak with Georgia cheerleader Katie Boff about being a good podcaster and making the NCAA tourney.
You are from Kennesaw, GA: what made you choose Georgia for college? Growing up I did gymnastics and loved going to the GymDog meets. This is where my love for Georgia began, and it only grew when I considered it for college. It was home, and I knew it. I have no words other than I was sure that I would adore this program, and it became my mission to be a part of that.
You are majoring in Public Relations with a Communications Studies minor and Sports Media Certificate: how did you choose those subjects? Being a cheerleader, I was naturally involved with many different sports, developing my adoration for the sports industry. Simultaneously, public relations was the perfect subject for my passions, since part of being a university cheerleader means being an ambassador/representative of the school. As if it were fate, UGA’s Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication is home to both an outstanding public relations pathway AND remarkable sports media program.
Speaking of sports media, any tips for those of us who want to be successful college basketball podcasters? I have two pieces of advice. First, make sure to have a clear objective for whatever you plan on posting. This will create a direction to always be moving towards, keeping you aligned with your true goals for the podcast. Second, set it up in a way that is enjoyable to you. Creating a space where you talk about simply what you are passionate about will keep you protected from ever feeling burned out. (P.S. You should also be consistent… even if you do not see growth at first!)
You are a senior: what is the post-graduation plan? Nothing is set in stone yet. However, I hope to move to Charleston and pursue law school! The transition between college and post-grad life can be daunting, but I am thrilled for any opportunities that come my way.
You are captain of the cheer team: what is the key to being a good leader? In the very wise words of my assistant coach Ashley Reynolds, “This is a position of service.” That is the mindset that anyone who wants to lead well must take on. To me, the opportunity to captain my team is only a chance to serve more, to take any burdens off of my teammates, and to make cheering at the University of Georgia the most enjoyable experience possible. Essentially, good leadership relies on the ability of the leader to take on the role of a servant.
What has been the highlight of the season so far: starting 14-2, beating Florida last month, Senior Night, other? Beating Florida at home last month was an experience like no other. Because of spacing, we rotate through who cheers which games, and I happened to not be cheering the Florida game. However, my dad came up to visit and we went to the game as spectators. The best word to describe the night is electric. Seeing everyone rush the court afterwards: literal chills!
Last Wednesday the Bulldogs lost to Oklahoma in the SEC tourney but they still made the NCAA tourney as an at-large team on Selection Sunday: how excited is everyone on campus now that the team is making its 1st NCAA tourney appearance in 10 years? Folks are just elated! I feel like it has been the sole topic in all of my conversations with people since Selection Sunday. The energy is high and the Bulldogs are excited!
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? Since this falls during a school week, the travel list is based on seniority and availability with your school schedule. Being one of six cheerleaders who traveled to Wichita, to say I am honored is an understatement. This is the last bit of cheerleading that I will do before graduating…and what a way to finish! On behalf of my team, we are immensely grateful at the gift of getting to tag-along for the ride and watch the Dawgs do what they do best. This is a true treat.
Does your squad have anything extra-special planned for this week? We are excited to get to spend time with the Dance Dawgs this week! We work closely with them underneath the Spirit umbrella, and it is always a blast to have quality time with them.
Any predictions for your game on Thursday vs. Gonzaga in Wichita? Dawgs on top: always!
