Conference tournaments are about basketball but also so much more: the fans, parents, bands, cheerleaders, etc. The CAA Tournament tips off this weekend in Washington, DC, and we could not be more excited to be there in person! HoopsHD will be covering all the angles so you can look forward to an abundance of articles in the week ahead. Jon Teitel continues our coverage with an interview of Monmouth band member Tara Dalessio
You grew up in New Jersey: what made you choose Monmouth? I 1st heard about it through my high school. I liked that it was by the beach and that they have a close-knit community.
You are majoring in business administration marketing & management: how did you choose those subjects? I started as a marine biology major but later to get involved in sports, and want to stay involved in marketing in the sports industry.
You are a SR: do you have a post-graduation plan? Not right now, but I want to work in the sports industry, perhaps in the Monmouth athletic department.
1 of your hobbies is watching sports: what is your favorite team/sport to watch? All the Monmouth sports teams, of course. Outside of school I am a hockey fan and root for all the Philly sports teams so I love the Flyers.
What instrument do you play, and how did you 1st get into it? I play alto saxophone: I started in 4th grade and grew to love it. Jazz initially pulled me in and now I have played it for many years.
You are manager of the band: what kind of responsibilities does that involve? I makes sure that everything runs smoothly and I collaborate with other band members to make sure we look good on social media. It is almost like being a voice from our students to the band director.
The Hawks have not made the NCAA tourney in 20 years: is it harder to be in the band when the team is not doing so well on the court? It is definitely a lot of fun when they are doing good, but our support does not change no matter how they are doing. We hope they take our energy and let it run because we are really hungry to win this tourney.
What has been the highlight of your season so far: winning 6 of your final 8 regular season games, Senior Night, other? It is hard to say. This tourney has been a highlight since we made it this far. Senior night was fun yet bittersweet as it was my last hurrah.
How does your school decide who gets to go to DC, and what will it mean to you to see your group doing its thing in front of a national TV audience? We want to have as much spirit as possible and to bring as much energy as possible to the court. It is awesome to see ourselves on TV because not everyone get that opportunity.
Any predictions for the Hawks this week? I do not want to jinx it but am hoping for a win. I believe in them and know they are a good group of guys who want it, so I have high hopes for tonight…and tomorrow!
