SIUE beat Southeast Missouri 69-48 in the OVC tourney title game to earn an automatic bid to this week’s NCAA tournament. The Cougars lost 21 games in 2022 but have now had 3 winning seasons in a row and are heading to the NCAA tourney for the 1st time in school history. Earlier today HoopsHD’s Jon Teitel got to speak with SIUE dancer Emily Lindenborn about being a good leader and making the NCAA tourney.
You are from Morris, IL: what made you choose SIUE? I chose SIUE primarily because of the dance team. I wanted to attend a school that was close enough to my hometown, but far enough away that I would not be tempted to go home every weekend.
You are majoring in special education: how did you choose that subject? My mom is a teacher and I have always thought that it was the most amazing profession. In middle school, one of my best friends had a little brother with Down syndrome, and my friends and I volunteered during study hall to assist in the special education life skills classes. I had so much fun and learned so much from that experience. Since then, I have been passionate about becoming a special education teacher!
You are a senior: what is the post-graduation plan? After graduation, I hope to return to Morris or a nearby town to teach at an elementary school. I am excited to start my teaching career and make a difference in my community!
You are captain of the dance team: what is the key to being a good leader? As a leader, I make sure to listen to everyone’s ideas because I do not have all the answers. Dance is a team sport and success is only achieved through teamwork. I trust our coaches to lead us, and I try to serve as a bridge between the coaches and the team to ensure that everyone’s voice is heard/respected.
You are a Dallas Cowboys fan: do you think they will finally get things turned around next year? I always have hope that “this is our year”! I am really optimistic about Brian Schottenheimer’s influence on the team, and I am confident he will bring the changes we need to turn things around.
The Cougars beat Southeast Missouri in the OVC tourney title game to clinch an automatic bid to this week’s NCAA tourney: what was the reaction like when the buzzer finally went off, and how excited is everyone on campus this week? The final minute of the championship game was so exciting! The energy from the crowd, cheering for the team, was electric. When the buzzer went off, it was pure joy! Everyone was hugging, jumping, and celebrating together: we were all so thrilled for the team! They have been playing phenomenally all year and they truly deserve this opportunity.
Your team has never made the NCAA tourney before: is it more fun to dance for them this year now that they are winning more games? I have always loved dancing at basketball games, and while it is even more exciting when they win, I have always supported the team regardless. It is such an amazing experience to be a part of their journey!
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 school selects 12 cheerleaders to attend the tournament in Kansas, so unfortunately none of the dance team members are going this year. However, I am beyond excited to watch and cheer for our cheerleaders, knowing they have been working incredibly hard to represent us on TV. I have no doubt they will do an amazing job!
Does your squad have anything extra-special planned for this week? We are hosting a watch party for those who do not have to attend class, and will also be practicing all weekend in preparation for the NDA D1 Nationals in two weeks! It is be an exciting and busy time for our team.
Any predictions for your game on Thursday vs. the “other” Cougars (Houston) in Wichita?! Of course I am rooting for SIUE! I hope they give their best performance and make the most of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. No matter the outcome, I know they will give it their all!
