Last week Xavier lost to Marquette 89-87 in the Big East tourney but still earned an at-large bid to this week’s NCAA tournament. The Musketeers had a losing record last year but are back in the NCAA tourney for the 2nd time in the past 3 years. Earlier today HoopsHD’s Jon Teitel got to speak with Xavier cheerleader Shailee Patel about being a good leader and seeing the big win over Texas on Wednesday.
You are from Richmond, VA: what made you choose Xavier? Xavier has a great nursing program and I love the small class sizes. Also, the chance to be a part of the cheer team really attracted me.
You are majoring in nursing: how did you choose that subject? I have always been interested in healthcare and knew that nursing would allow me to make a direct impact on people’s lives.
You are a senior: what is the post-graduation plan? I will be moving to Nashville, TN, and working as a nurse in the ICU at Vanderbilt University Medical Center.
You are co-captain of the cheer team: what is the key to being a good leader? I think a good leader is supportive, communicative and approachable. I try to set a positive example for my teammates and help everyone stay motivated whether it is during a game/practice.
Your team only won 16 games last year: is it more fun to cheer for them this year now that they are winning more games? Of course we love to see our team win! However, the energy at our home court (the Cintas Center) is always amazing, so win or lose it is a great feeling knowing that we can support our team and hype up the crowd!
What has been the highlight of the season so far: starting 6-0, beating UConn in January, Senior Night, other? Beating UConn last January was a highlight…and since that game the team has not lost a single home game! With each game you could feel the momentum growing. The Creighton game earlier this month was a must-win game, and the team and crowd did not disappoint: it was electric! After ending the regular season on a 7-game winning streak, the energy was at a high going into the postseason!
Last week the Musketeers lost to Marquette in the Big East tourney but still earned an at-large bid to the NCAA tourney: how exciting was it to hear your team’s name called on Selection Sunday? After the loss to Marquette we knew the odds were not the highest. I was with the other seniors when Xavier’s name was called: we were ecstatic! Not only would the basketball team have the chance to compete in the Big Dance: it also meant that we still had a few more games to cheer at.
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 decision is based on choosing the best girls from our squad to represent the university. Each girl can tumble and excels at their stunting position, and the cheer and dances we do on the sidelines. It is also important that everyone demonstrates a good attitude and is a team player. This year our team is incredibly talented: it is an honor to be a part of that group and we’re ready to show off our best skills!
Does your squad have anything extra-special planned for this week? We make sure to attend the pep rallies with fans and the band right before the game because we really want to pump up the crowd. It is amazing to see all the people who have traveled to support Xavier.
How was the win vs. Texas on Wednesday? It was incredible: one of my favorite games I have ever cheered at! The energy was off the charts: it felt like a home game and the chants from the crowd were deafening. It felt amazing to be on the sidelines as the team made a comeback to secure the big win!
Posted inNews and Notes|TaggedShailee Patel, xavier|Comments Off on Tourney Talk: HoopsHD interviews Xavier cheerleader Shailee Patel
Last Saturday Arizona lost to Houston 72-64 in the Big 12 tourney title game but still earned an at-large bid to this week’s NCAA tournament. The Wildcats missed the NCAA tourney in 2021 but have now won 22+ games for the 4th year in a row and are heading to the NCAA tourney as a top-4 seed for the 4th year in a row. Yesterday HoopsHD’s Jon Teitel got to speak with Arizona Pomline captain Shelby Langlois about seeing Caleb Love sink 1 heck of a shot and making the NCAA tourney.
You are from Rancho Cucamonga, CA: what made you choose Arizona? I have always had a deep love for my hometown and the environment where I grew up, but after a while I felt it was time for a change of scenery. When I started thinking about college, I weighed several factors such as the distance from my family, the climate, the college experience, and opportunities to pursue my passion for dance…and Arizona checked every single box for me. Ultimately, I chose the University of Arizona because of the incredible opportunities it offered for involvement, both on campus and within the surrounding community. What stood out to me even more, though, was the immense pride the Tucson community has in the school. The connection between the university and the city is undeniable, and it is inspiring to see how much everyone supports the students, athletes, and programs. The moment I toured the UofA for the first time, I had a feeling deep inside that this was the place where I would spend the next four years of my life—and that feeling has never wavered! The energy, the people, and the possibilities made it feel like the perfect fit for me, and I am beyond grateful and proud to be an Arizona Wildcat!
You are majoring in psychology and minoring in human development and family resources: how did you choose those subjects? I started college as a Physiology and Medical Sciences major but was always much more interested in psychology and mental processes. I have always found psychology fascinating to learn about, as I believe it plays a crucial role in shaping how our society functions. The human brain is incredibly complex, and delving deeper into its workings has been truly eye-opening. I chose to minor in human development and family resources because I have a strong desire to pursue a career in mental health counseling, whether that involves working with children, couples, or families.
You are a senior: what is the post-graduation plan? I plan to move to Las Vegas in hopes of continuing my dance career. I grew up traveling to Las Vegas frequently and it has been one of my favorite cities in the country since childhood, so I am beyond excited to start a new chapter of life in a city that means so much to me! It has always been a dream of mine to cheer professionally in the NFL, and I am beyond grateful for the opportunity to audition for the Las Vegas Raiderettes this year. Regardless of the outcome of my audition, I still plan to move to Las Vegas and search for a job in the beauty industry!
You are captain of the Pomline team: what is the key to being a good leader? Being captain of the Arizona Pomline has taught me invaluable lessons in leadership. I am deeply grateful to Professor Chad Shoopman, the director of the Pride of Arizona Marching Band, for being an incredible mentor over the past four years and for shaping me into the leader I am today. His teachings on servant leadership, leading by example, and holding ourselves accountable have guided me and my fellow captains in setting a high standard of excellence for the Pomline. One of the core principles I emphasize in my leadership approach is creating a sense of comfort, trust, and support for each of my teammates. I aim to be a positive influence: someone they can look up to and turn to when they need anything. This strong, supportive relationship has fostered a deeper level of respect within the team and motivates us all to be the best versions of ourselves—not just for personal achievement, but for the collective success and growth of the entire team.
2 years ago you got to see Arizona beat Oklahoma in the Alamo Bowl: how does performing at a football bowl game compare to performing at a basketball postseason tourney game? Being there to witness Arizona’s victory over Oklahoma in the Alamo Bowl was undoubtedly the most incredible experience of my life. I feel incredibly fortunate to have traveled with the entire Pomline and Marching Band, as it allowed us to bond deeply throughout our time in San Antonio. It was truly special to see Arizona secure a win in a postseason bowl game alongside my entire team. Seeing Arizona in a bowl game for the first time since 2017 was a special moment for the Tucson community, and it was inspiring to see how many Wildcat fans spent their holiday break in San Antonio cheering on the UofA! Similarly, traveling to postseason basketball tournaments is also both an honor and a privilege. We send six Pomline members to each round of the tournaments, giving us the chance to form even closer connections with one another. Moreover, college basketball tournaments, especially the NCAA tournament, are broadcast on a massive scale, reaching millions of viewers every year. This underscores one of the most important values we uphold as a group: to be the most professional, respectful, and disciplined representatives of the University of Arizona. Having these experiences is a true honor, and I will always be grateful for the opportunity to represent the UofA at events across the country!
Last Saturday in the Big 12 tourney title game the Wildcats lost to Houston but still earned an at-large bid to the NCAA tourney: how excited were you to hear your team’s name called on Selection Sunday? Arizona has a consistent record of being selected for the NCAA tournament…but the excitement of hearing our name called on Selection Sunday never fades. I feel an overwhelming amount of gratitude just to watch the Wildcats compete in the biggest tournament of the year, let alone travel with them and continue cheering them on in every city we can visit!
What has been the highlight of the season so far: starting 11-1 in conference play, beating ASU on Senior Night, other? It is hard to put into words how truly magical the Arizona vs. Iowa State game was. I had the privilege of dancing on the court when Caleb Love made his half-court shot to tie the game, eventually leading us to victory (www.youtube.com/watch?v=mGehePh0QQM). The energy in McKale was electric and witnessing that moment from the courtside is something I will remember for the rest of my life!
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 Pride of Arizona Marching Band and the Arizona Pomline select our tournament rosters based on seniority and years of experience with the team. This year, we have our six four-year seniors traveling to the NCAA tournament. It means the world to me to share this experience with the girls who have been by my side since day one. Reflecting on our journey from freshman year and seeing how far we have come, both as dancers and as women, makes this moment even more meaningful. These girls are truly my best friends, and I could not be more grateful and proud to share these experiences with them.
Does your squad have anything extra-special planned for this week? None of my teammates on this trip have been to Seattle before, so we were excited to explore the Pike Place Market today! We also went to the Wings Over Washington which was so much fun! Some of us also have our parents flying in and are planning on some fun dinners with them as well! We are beyond excited to explore this city while doing what we love: supporting our Wildcats!
Any predictions for your game on Friday vs. Akron in Seattle? Regardless of how the game goes, it truly is an honor and a privilege to be here…but we are hoping/praying for a Wildcat win of course!
Florida State lost to North Carolina 60-56 in the ACC women’s tourney but still earned an at-large bid to this week’s NCAA tournament. The Seminoles only won 10 games in 2021 but have now won exactly 23 games for the 3rd year in a row and are heading to the NCAA tourney for the 5th year in a row. Earlier today HoopsHD’s Jon Teitel got to speak with Florida State women’s coach Brooke Wyckoff about coaching the top scorer in the country and making the NCAA tourney.
You are from West Chester, OH: what made you choose Florida State for college? I loved the family atmosphere here at Florida State and felt the most comfortable here. I felt it was a great opportunity for me basketball-wise: they were an up and coming program and I had a chance to make an immediate impact.
You set a school record with 80 BLK as a freshman in 1997 and were twice named to the conference all-defensive team: what is the secret to being a great defender? My secret was desire: I just had that desire to compete and win. I loved the feeling of denying someone: blocking a shot was a very fun feeling!
You were FSU’s only 4-time Academic All-ACC performer and in 2001 you received an ACC postgraduate scholarship: how did you balance your work on the court with your work in the classroom? I had a great support system and FSU did a great job supporting its athletes, whether it be study hall or academic advisors helping us with time management and our studies. Our basketball coaches made academics a priority, so I felt like I had time and people who cared about those things.
As a player for Connecticut in Game 2 of the 2005 WNBA Finals you made a 3-PT shot with 2 seconds left in regulation en route to a 7-PT OT win over Sacramento: did you think the shot was going in, and where does that rank among the highlights of your career? That one ranks very high as a memorable moment. I had a great pass from my teammate and just knew that I had to shoot it. It was not how we drew it up: I was not supposed to get the last shot, but the ball came to me and I was fortunate to make the last shot. It was a really fun moment for our team in front of a packed house in Connecticut.
In 2010 you were named an ACC Legend and in 2011 you were inducted into your school’s Hall of Fame: what did it mean to you to receive such outstanding honors? It means a lot. At the time when you are an athlete in the middle of all of it you do not really realize the impact you have and the legacy you can build: you are just doing it. To be recognized for that is a huge honor and I am glad I am still part of it here at Florida State.
You had a 4-PT loss to North Carolina in the ACC tourney quarterfinals but still earned an at-large bid to the NCAA tourney: how did it feel to hear your team’s name called on Selection Sunday? It felt great: I will never get tired of that feeling of having our name called! Especially this year, I was pleased with what the committee gave us and what we deserved. I felt like it was a great draw and I am really excited.
You have spent 4 years as head coach at your alma mater and made the NCAA tourney every single year: how have you been able to be such a consistent winner during your time on the sideline? We maintain consistency because the path was laid out for me by former coach Sue Semrau. She consistently got to the NCAA Tournament for so many years, and being a part of that as a player/assistant coach I watched what it takes to do that. We will remain consistent and keep following the plan.
Your PG Ta’Niya Latson is leading the nation with 24.9 PPG and your team’s 87.2 PPG is #2 in the nation: where does Ta’Niya rank among the best players that you have ever coached, and how have you been able to create such an unstoppable offense? Ta’Niya is definitely one of the best (if not the best) who I have been fortunate to coach. She is unique: there has not been anybody like her who I have coached. She came in with a hunger/desire and obviously the talent to take the opportunity she was given and go with it.
You have a birthday coming up this month: what are your plans for the big day? I would love to still be playing, but I will just be enjoying another year of life.
How do you feel about being a #6 seed, and what do you know about George Mason? I know their coach (Vanessa Blair-Lewis) pretty well. She has been a friend for many years and is part of the “Moms in Coaching” group that I started. She is a phenomenal basketball coach/person: you can see that her team just exudes her personality/character/work ethic. They are a really solid, confident, and capable basketball team so we will have our work cut out for us.
Iowa beat Michigan State 74-61 in the Big 10 women’s tourney but still earned an at-large bid to this week’s NCAA tournament. The Spartans had losing records in conference play in 2022 & 2023 but are now heading to the NCAA tourney for the 2nd year in a row. Earlier today HoopsHD’s Jon Teitel got to speak with Michigan State SR G Julia Ayrault about being a good student and making the NCAA tourney.
You were born/raised in Michigan: what made you choose Michigan State? I appreciated the family environment of the university/team and it was something that I wanted to be a part of. I felt really at home/welcomed when I came to visit and appreciated the atmosphere.
You missed all of the 2021-22 season with a left foot injury: how bad was it, and how were you able to get back onto the court? There was a lot of recovery, but the biggest thing was working on the mental aspect of learning how to trust myself and my body again over time.
In the 2024 NCAA tourney you scored 14 PTS in a 3-PT loss to North Carolina: what did you learn from that loss that you think will help you this year? We had a slow start and got ourselves into a little bit of a hole, which was hard to fight back from. March is a time when everyone is good and every team is in the tourney for a reason so you have to start the game ready to go. I am excited for us to have a little redemption.
Your team is top-20 in the nation in PPG/APG/SPG/BPG: what are your team’s weaknesses because it seems like you are good at everything?! There have been games where we got down and let teams go on a run and we were forced to fight back a bit. We cannot dig ourselves a hole early on so we can spend more of the game building a lead.
You are a 3-time member of the all-conference academic team: how do you balance your work on the court with your work in the classroom? We have a lot of good resources: our academic coordinator Shelby is awesome and has helped me stay on top of stuff/know what I have to do/make time for school. I have a lot of online classes and need to focus so that I can do what I need to get done.
Your parents Kimberly/Andrew both played college basketball: who is the best athlete in the family? I have to go with my mom because she is underrated. She was a post player at the time and is 6’ on a good day so respect to her going down with the big guns and battling. Shout-out to her!
How do you feel about being a #7 seed, and what do you know about Harvard? I am really excited to be a #7 seed, which our coach said is our highest seed since 2016. We have had a good year and are looking forward to playing a good Harvard team, getting our 1st win in the tourney, and then going from there.
Last week UNCW beat Delaware 76-72 in the CAA tourney title game to earn an automatic bid to this week’s NCAA tournament. The Seahawks only won 7 games in 2021 but have now had 4 winning seasons in a row and are heading to the NCAA tourney for the 1st time since 2017. Earlier today HoopsHD’s Jon Teitel got to speak with UNCW cheerleader Sydney Collins about being a good leader and making the NCAA tourney.
You are from Hamptonville, NC: what made you choose UNCW? I chose UNCW because I have always loved the beach. I also thought that it would be good for me to move farther away from home to get out of my comfort zone.
You are majoring in Business Administration with a concentration in Real Estate: how did you choose those subjects? Business has always been the plan for me, but I did not know what I wanted to concentrate on until the school started offering real estate. I feel it is easy to figure out what you like and do not like in business school since you take so many classes from all different parts of the business world.
You are a senior: what is the post-graduation plan? I would love to stay in Wilmington after I graduate. I am still sorting out my job options, but right now I am trying to soak up every last moment of my final semester at UNCW.
You have been captain of your team the past 2 years: what is the key to being a good leader? I think the key to being a good leader is showing up everyday and letting your team know that you have their back no matter what, both in/out of practice. I also think it is very important to build a relationship with each individual on the team: figure out what drives them to be better, and be their biggest motivator throughout the process.
1 of your hobbies is reading: and book recommendations for our readers? I recently read “In Five Years” by Rebecca Serle. It is about friendship, loyalty, and understanding the nature of our destiny in this life: it is a great short read.
In the CAA tourney title game the Seahawks had a 4-PT win over Delaware to clinch the title: what was the reaction like after the final buzzer went off, and how excited is everyone on campus this week? I remember after the buzzer went off everyone ran out on the court and was jumping around and hugging. I saw so many videos of people gathered together on and off campus cheering for the guys after they won. It is so nice to know that they have so many people cheering for them: not only at the game but back home too.
Your team has won 15 of its past 17 games: has it reached a point where everyone expects the team to win every time that they step onto the court? I definitely think that there is an expectation for these guys to win. We expect a lot out of them because we see the potential this team has. However, we are there to cheer them on no matter the outcome.
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? We are very fortunate to be able to bring 12 cheerleaders to the NCAA tournament. We want to be able to represent our school/program to the best of our ability. I am so excited to have this opportunity, especially during my senior year. My team works incredibly hard and I cannot wait to cheer the team on!
Does your squad have anything extra-special planned for this week? None of us have ever been to Kansas before so we are excited to go explore…but honestly we are most excited to cheer on our Seahawks on Thursday night.
Any predictions for your game vs. Texas Tech on Thursday in Wichita? I think this team is going to surprise a lot of people. You can really tell how much heart these guys put into every game and I am excited to see what they do on Thursday night.
Posted inNews and Notes|TaggedSydney Collins, UNCW|Comments Off on Tourney Talk: HoopsHD interviews UNCW cheerleader Sydney Collins
Last week Arkansas lost to Mississippi 83-80 in the SEC tourney but still earned an at-large bid to this week’s NCAA tournament. The Razorbacks started 0-5 in conference play but are now heading back in the NCAA tourney for the 4th time in the past 5 years. Yesterday HoopsHD’s Jon Teitel got to speak with Arkansas dancer Ryan Crockett about having a new basketball coach and making the NCAA tourney.
You are from Jackson, MS: what made you choose Arkansas? For as long as I can remember, I have been dancing. I am classically trained in ballet so I spent most of my time training/performing: I could not imagine a life without dance. I knew I wanted to go to college and needed a school that would provide a strong education to prepare me for chiropractic school after earning my bachelor’s degree. I also wanted a school where I could continue my dance career. I tried out for the Razorback Dance Team and made it, even though I had never used poms before. The university also offered the exercise science major I was looking for. After making the dance team, I knew that Arkansas was the place for me.
You are majoring in Exercise Science: how did you choose that subject? I have always been interested in holistic medicine, specifically chiropractic care. I knew that exercise science as a major would prepare me for the intensity of chiropractic school.
You are a senior: what is the post-graduation plan? I plan to attend Parker University in Dallas to continue my academic career with the goal of becoming a chiropractor.
Your basketball team has a new coach this season: what is it like to have John Calipari as the new sheriff in town? Coach Calipari has been a breath of fresh air and has brought a sense of excitement. Starting over can be intimidating, but Coach Cal has sparked a new fire in Arkansas fans and given us an opportunity for change/growth.
What has been the highlight of the season so far: starting 11-2, Senior Night, other? Senior Night at Bud Walton Arena is a memory that I will cherish forever. That night, we beat Texas and performed during halftime. It was a special night for both me and my teammates.
The Razorbacks lost to Mississippi in the SEC tourney but still earned an at-large bid to the NCAA tourney: how exciting was it to hear your team’s name called on Selection Sunday? Excited is an understatement. Initially, I was happy that Arkansas had the opportunity to compete in such an iconic tournament. My teammates and I were thrilled at the chance to travel and support our team. I also think it is ironic that commentators say our men’s basketball team will be “dancing” in March Madness!
You were 1 of a record 14 SEC teams to make the tourney: what is it like to be part of the greatest conference in the history of the sport? I am always honored and proud to be a part of the SEC. There is nothing like this conference and I would not change it for the world.
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? Dance Team Head Coach Britney Hanson makes it a priority that every dancer on our team travels. She creates a survey for us to fill out so that we can rank where we want to travel during the season: seniors generally have priority. Based on these rankings and the number of travel opportunities, she then selects who gets to go.
Does your squad have anything extra-special planned for this week? The Dance Team plans to cheer on our men’s basketball team as they compete in the NCAA tournament. It is also baseball season, so Razorback Dance will be dancing on the dugouts for the first SEC series this year at Baum-Walker Stadium this weekend.
Any predictions for your game on Thursday vs. Kansas in Providence? My predictions will always favor the Hogs. If they play as hard as I have seen them play then the sky is the limit!
