Last Thursday Georgia lost to Mississippi 76-72 in the SEC tourney but still earned an at-large bid to this week’s NCAA tournament. The Bulldogs have now made the NCAA tourney for the 2nd year in a row and will open as a #8 seed against St. Louis in Buffalo on Thursday. Earlier today HoopsHD’s Jon Teitel got to speak with Georgia Dance Dawg Ella Glorioso about being a captain and making the NCAA tourney.
You are from Naperville, IL: what made you choose Georgia? As someone who has grown up with all four seasons to the extreme, I knew I wanted to go somewhere warm. Walking to class in the snow and below zero weather was not for me. The strong academics, excellent athletics, and beautiful campus were all just a bonus. Making Dance Dawgs in April before starting my freshman year in August made me feel at home before arriving and I could not have asked for a better experience here over my four years. I am now a firm believer that there is nothing like going to an SEC school and (biasedly) the University of Georgia.
You are majoring in Biomedical Physiology with minors in Exercise & Sport Science/Biology: how did you choose those subjects? The biomedical physiology major intrigued me as a freshman as there was a larger variety of classes available to me. I had to take the typical biology, chemistry, and physics, but the neurophysiology and opportunity to be a peer-learning assistant are unique. I chose a minor in exercise and sport science because as an athlete and more specifically dancer, I wanted to know more about the way my body moved and how to improve my overall performance and health. Taking classes like biomechanics and applied exercise physiology have really connected the science to the sport for me.
You are a SR: what is the post-graduation plan? Being a student athlete and balancing the demands of being pre-med has been both challenging and rewarding. I have learned how to be a leader and manage my time very well while also working in a research lab where I study breast cancer bone metastasis. However, I feel I need to fully immerse myself in a clinical environment before entering medical school to gain a better understanding of how to have meaningful patient interactions and create long-lasting respectful relationships. Thus, I have decided to take a gap year and move home to work as a scribe or medical assistant while applying to medical school this May. I am hopeful for a successful cycle as I continue to grow both professionally and personally.
How did you 1st get into dancing? My journey in sports started with both swimming and soccer before I found my passion for dance. In first grade I joined a cheerleading squad where one of the coaches mentioned to my mom my ability to pick up the choreography quickly and suggested I try dancing. I continued with all three sports for a while until I eventually chose to focus on dance. Competing with my studio, being on my high school’s dance team, and now being a part of an athletics spirit squad at my university has given me some of my favorite memories so I thank ten-year-old me for choosing to pursue dance!
You have been a captain for the past 2 years: what is the key to being a good leader? I am extremely grateful to have had the opportunity to lead my team for the past two years. Being a good leader is not always about setting an example and making decisions, but about listening to your teammates and adjusting to a course that benefits everyone based on the team dynamics. I feel that being a good leader requires selflessness, flexibility, and accountability because we are all going through different challenges. The uncertainty of entering college as a freshman, taking more difficult classes as a sophomore, trying to figure out your next steps as a junior, and getting ready to graduate as a senior are all different examples of phases we go through as not just college students but as athletes. An abundant amount of circumstances factor into how each teammate shows up for practice or a game, and being able to lean on each other and have a cohesive group is what I have tried to create during my time on the team and as captain.
Georgia was 1 of 10 SEC teams who made the NCAA tourney: what is it like to be part of arguably the best basketball conference in the country? I feel that being part of the SEC is unlike anything else. The energy of the fans at every game is unmatched and the level of competition is inspiring. I find myself excited to arrive at Stegman Coliseum and at every tournament game to cheer on the Dawgs: there is never really an easy or predictable game for the team.
How does your school decide who gets to attend the NCAA tourney, and what will it mean to you to see your group doing its thing in front of a national TV audience? It is very exciting to have the opportunity to travel with the team and support the players on a national stage. Usually, it is the upperclassmen that travel, but it also depends on who is available with regards to school and other possible commitments. The Dance Dawgs and I who are here in Buffalo are very grateful and ready to help impact the game, as are the girls from the team traveling to Iowa City to support our women’s basketball team.
Does your squad have anything extra-special planned for Buffalo? We have coordinated a trip to Niagara Falls!
Any predictions for the Bulldogs this week? I predict that the Bulldogs will get a couple dunks (after all, they are the Dunkyard Dawgs), and the game between Georgia and St. Louis will be fast-paced and entertaining. As always: GO DAWGS!
