Tourney Talk: HoopsHD interviews UConn cheerleader Olivia Haddad

Posted on March 23, 2024 by Jon Teitel

On Friday UConn beat Stetson 91-52 in the 1st round of the NCAA tourney to earn a spot in the 2nd round on Sunday vs. Northwestern. The Huskies won it all last year as a 4-seed and are back this year as a 1-seed. Earlier today HoopsHD’s Jon Teitel got to speak with UConn cheerleader Olivia Haddad about cheering for the champs.

You are from Plainville, CT: what made you choose UConn? I am very family-oriented and UConn offered me the opportunity to stay close to my family while attending a great school.

You are majoring in biology: why did you choose that subject? I have always wanted to pursue a career in healthcare, and majoring in biology allowed me to fulfill many of the prerequisites necessary for entering that field.

You are a senior: what is the post-graduation plan? After graduation, I will be taking a gap year to build my resume in preparation for eventually attending PA school.

You have been cheering since 5th grade: how did you 1st get into it, and what is the best part of being on the cheer team? I actually started cheering because of my brother. When I was in 5th grade, my brother joined our town’s Pop Warner football team (the Plainville Colts), and I saw the cheerleaders on the field at his first day of practice. I saw how much fun they were having and told my mom that it was something I had to do. Now I am so fortunate to be able to cheer at the college level for such an amazing school, and the best part is the experiences that I have been given. Being part of a National Championship and a Big East Tournament title are experiences I will always remember, especially getting to do it alongside my best friends.

You got to attend the Final 4 last year as the Huskies won the title: what is your favorite memory from their championship season? My favorite part about last season was getting to see how amazing the culture at UConn really is. There is nothing like the UConn fan base: they show up for every game and bring such amazing energy. It is incredible to watch the dedication that both the players/fans have to prove, again and again, that UConn is the basketball capital of the world.

You are a captain this year: what is the key to being a good leader? The key to being a good leader is gaining the respect and trust of your teammates to effectively lead the team. When Coach Charmaine entrusted me with the responsibility of leading this team alongside my two other co-captains, I knew I was going to do my part to guide the team to be the best we can be.

You are also the community outreach officer: what does that involve? As the community outreach officer, I am in charge of connecting our team with outside organizations and events. One of the most important events we are involved in is HuskyTHON, an 18-hour-long dance marathon to support Connecticut Children’s Hospital. Given the significance of this event, my co-officer Lauren and I prepare all year through fundraising and various meetings.

How much importance do you place on community service? Being part of the cheer team is so rewarding because it allows me to be very involved in my community. As the community outreach officer, I am deeply involved in HuskyTHON. It is a dance marathon where we dance alongside our miracle kids and their families to fight for the chance to one day end childhood illness. Seeing the bravery of these kids and their families is the most amazing part of this event, and the ability to connect my team to work alongside this organization is the best part of this position.

Your school also has a top-3 seed in the women’s NCAA tourney: how excited is everyone on campus this month? Here at UConn everyone on campus looks forward to March because we are the basketball capital of the world. We have some of the best coaches/players of all time at this university, which is why March is such an important month at Storrs. Our women’s basketball team is one of the best in the country so everyone at UConn loves watching them play. Gampel Pavilion has such an amazing environment, and being able to host Rounds 1 & 2 while supporting our team has everyone very excited!

What did you think about the win over Stetson, and do you think that your team can win it all again? In the game against Stetson, I knew UConn would prevail because of how well they have played this season. Our men’s basketball team has proven both last year/this year that they are the best team in the country. Because there is so much talent on that team and they work so well together, they can definitely win it all again!

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Tourney Talk: HoopsHD interviews Illinois cheerleader Bri Hendren-Santiago

Posted on March 21, 2024 by Jon Teitel

On Sunday Illinois beat Wisconsin 93-87 in the Big 10 tourney title game to earn an automatic bid to this week’s NCAA tournament. The Illini had made the NCAA tourney each of the past 3 years and are now heading back this year as a #3-seed. Earlier today HoopsHD’s Jon Teitel got to speak with Illinois cheerleader Bri Hendren-Santiago about her team’s remarkable run.

You are from Bloomington, IL: what made you choose Illinois? For starters, the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign is a renowned institution known for its strong academic programs, research opportunities, and vibrant campus life. I was especially attracted to their business program…and I grew up coming to Illinois’ campus as both of my older brothers, my grandparents, and two of my aunts went here for undergrad. I loved how students at UIUC have access to cutting-edge resources and facilities. Finally, its location in Urbana-Champaign, Illinois, provides a supportive environment for both academic and personal growth being that I am far enough away from home, but still super-close if I need anything from my family!

You are majoring in Finance: why did you choose that subject? My first introduction to the finance world was through my dad’s job as a Financial Advisor. Being exposed to different facets of the financial industry at a young age, I developed a passion and fascination for the stock market and investing in general. I realized how important it was to develop savings plans for different areas of your life. Just like my dad, I want to help people reach their financial goals and feel secure with their savings. I recognized that the industry fit my outgoing personality and also continuously sparked my curiosity.

Your hobbies include hiking/golfing/horseback riding: which of these give you the best workout? I would say that hiking probably gives me the best workout. It helps me work on my endurance, builds leg strength, and (for some hikes that I have done) builds upper-body strength. It is really a full-body workout that is rewarded with a beautiful view at the end!

You are a senior: what is the post-graduation plan? After graduation, I am moving to Chicago to work as a financial analyst in Private Wealth Management at Goldman Sachs.

You are a captain this year: what is the key to being a good leader? As a captain, the key to being a good leader is effective communication and leading by example. It is important to communicate clearly with team members, listen to their concerns, and provide guidance/support when needed. Leading by example means demonstrating a strong work ethic, positive attitude, and commitment to the team’s goals. Additionally, fostering a supportive and inclusive team environment where everyone feels valued and motivated can contribute to the team’s success.

In the Big 10 tourney title game last Sunday Illinois had a 6-PT win over Wisconsin: how excited was everyone after the final buzzer, and what was the reaction like when you got back to campus? After the Big 10 tournament title game last Sunday, the atmosphere was electric. The excitement was palpable as fans celebrated the victory, especially considering it was a hard-fought win over Wisconsin. When the final buzzer sounded, there was an eruption of cheers and celebrations from both the Illinois players and the fans. Confetti everywhere, too (which most cheerleaders took home as a souvenir)! Upon returning to campus, the reaction from all the students was extremely prideful. Students, faculty, and fans celebrated the team’s success through gatherings, rallies, or other events to commemorate the achievement. Overall, it was a memorable and joyous weekend for the Illinois community.

The Illini have now made the NCAA tourney for 4 straight years: did you get to cheer in Des Moines in 2023/Pittsburgh in 2022/Indianapolis in 2021? I have been lucky enough to cheer at the NCAA tournaments in Des Moines and Pittsburgh. Neither of them turned out the way we would have hoped, but they were still amazing experiences!

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 team primarily travels based on seniority. Coach values the time and effort that 4-year members have put into the program and rewards them by allowing them to travel to these big tournaments. With that being said, there is a clear expectation of skill ability and game-day readiness. For me, seeing our group doing its thing in front of a national TV audience is extremely exciting. It is seeing the product of hard work, dedication, and a season’s worth of effort. It is an opportunity to showcase our skills on a national stage. For our seniors, it is a chance to leave our mark and potentially create unforgettable moments that will be remembered for years to come. For all of us, it is a source of excitement to see our school represented and to cheer on our team as they strive for success. Overall, the NCAA tournament is a special and memorable experience for everyone involved.

Does your squad have anything extra-special planned for the NCAA tourney? Overall, we just hope to make the most out of every day that we are in different cities. We eat dinners as a team and look for fun team-bonding activities!

Any predictions for your game vs. Morehead State in Omaha on Thursday, and how far can this team go in the tourney? The outcome of the game against Morehead State will depend on various factors such as team preparation, player performance, and in-game strategies. I do not know much about Morehead State outside of their seeding…but I will be doing everything in my power to cheer the Illini onto victory! As for how far the team can go in the tournament, it is difficult to predict with certainty as the NCAA tournament is known for its unpredictability/upsets. However, based on the team’s talent, performance throughout the season, and seeding in the tournament, they have the potential to make a deep run and compete against some of the top teams in the nation. Ultimately, it will come down to how well the team executes its game plan and performs under pressure during each game of the tournament. I am very proud of our team this year and I am hoping they are able to continue this positive energy throughout the tournament!

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Tourney Talk: HoopsHD interviews McNeese SO G DJ Richards Jr.

Posted on March 20, 2024 by Jon Teitel

Last Wednesday McNeese beat Nicholls State 92-76 in the Southland tourney title game to earn an automatic bid to next week’s NCAA tournament. The Cowboys have finished with a losing record every single year since 2013 but are now 30-3 and heading to their 1st NCAA tourney since 2002. Earlier today HoopsHD’s Jon Teitel got to speak with McNeese SO G DJ Richards Jr. about his team’s storybook season.

You began your college career at UTSA where you made the 2023 conference all-freshman team: how were you able to come in and contribute right from the start? Coach made it very easy for me. He knew my strengths/weaknesses so I focused more on my strengths. Coach Will Wade eliminated those weaknesses and made it easy for me to play how I play so shout-out to Coach Wade for putting me in a position to blossom and the players around me made it easier for me.

Why did you decide to transfer, and what made you choose McNeese? Coach Wade is a legendary coach who has a history of winning. I always wanted to make it to the NCAA tourney and I knew that if I got to play for Coach Wade that I would be in the position I am today. I really believe in him and the story he had for me and I will continue to stick with it.

What makes Coach Wade such a good coach, and what is the most important thing that you have learned from him so far? He is hard on you because he loves you and genuinely wants the best out of every one of his players. He will yell at everyoen the same way and hold everyone accountable whether they play 30 minutes or 5 minutes: everyone gets the same type of love/respect. He feels that everyone can be better at the end of the day, not just as a basketball player but as men.

Last December you scored a career-high 24 PTS/6-11 3PM in 27 minutes in a win over Southern Miss: was it just 1 of those scenarios where every shot you put up seemed to go in because you were “in the zone”? Before Coach Wade came back it was very hard for me to get open shots because they had caught on to me quickly after the 1st game. He kept telling me to stay calm/chill/true. Once he told me before the game that it would be a big game for me…and then I had 24 PTS: it is crazy how things go!

This year you shot 45.2 3P%: what is the secret to making shots from behind the arc? Just breathe. I go out there with the same mindset whether I make 50 or miss 50. I stay 10 toes down and stay in the gym every single day and really put in so much work that when I am playing it is 2nd-nature.

Last Wednesday in the Southland tourney title game you scored 16 PTS/4-6 3PM in a win over Nicholls State: what did it mean to you to win a title, and what was the feeling like in your locker room afterward? It meant a lot. My coach got me going early and I really salute him: he called a play for me off the rip. I saw 1 go in early and the rest just fell after that.

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Tourney Talk: HoopsHD interviews Drake cheerleader Kylie Greer

Posted on March 20, 2024 by Jon Teitel

On Sunday Drake beat Indiana State 84-80 in the MVC tourney title game to earn an automatic bid to this week’s NCAA tournament. The Bulldogs made the NCAA tourney last March as well but had a 7-PT loss to Miami. Earlier today HoopsHD’s Jon Teitel got to speak with Drake cheerleader Kylie Greer about her team’s remarkable run.

You are from Columbia, MO: what made you choose Drake? I chose Drake because of my major and the Journalism school. I am majoring in Strategic Political Communications and none of the other schools I was looking at offered that major. I also chose Drake because I wanted to be able to cheer in college and I was able to do that here.

You are majoring in Strategic Political Communications and Public Relations: why did you choose those subjects? Politics and communications are always things that have interested me, but I knew that I did not want to go to law school or be a politician so my SPC major allows me to get involved in politics in a different way. Analyzing campaigns and coming up with PR and communications tactics is something I really enjoy and I have been able to learn a lot here at Drake. I also chose to major in PR because I was not completely sure if I wanted to work in politics or sports in the future so double-majoring would allow me to have options for both.

You are a senior: what is the post-graduation plan? I am academically a senior, but I will be staying at Drake for another year. Since I am double-majoring and double-minoring I will not be graduating until 2025. After that, I hope to be able to get a communications or PR job for a professional sports team or possibly something in college athletics.

You are the team captain: what is the key to being a good leader? I believe there are a lot of qualities that make a good leader. Some are problem-solving, adaptability, determination, good communication, and responsibility. However, overall I think that your team knowing they can rely on you is the most important. Being a person that others know is dependable/consistent/trustworthy means they will be able to count on you.

1 of your hobbies is reading: any good book recommendations? I enjoy reading historical fiction and fantasy books. Some of my favorites are Circe, The Tattooist of Auschwitz, The Invisible Life of Addie Larue, Lore, The Diviners series, and the Red Queen series. Right now I am reading a non-fiction book called Blood, Fire & Gold: The Story of Elizabeth I & Catherine de Medici. I have loved learning more about the two of them and their relationship.

In the 2024 MVC tourney title game you had a 4-PT win over Indiana State: how excited was everyone after the final buzzer, and what was the reaction like when you got back to campus? All of Drake’s wins at the MVC tournaments have been amazing games and I am so glad I have been able to experience them. I think that everyone on campus was thrilled that both the men and women were able to pull off such great wins throughout the tournaments and the regular season in both years that I have been here.

The Bulldogs also made the NCAA tourney last year: did you get to cheer in Albany? Yes, the cheer team was able to go to Albany last year for the NCAA tournament. It was a great experience to cheer on the Bulldogs for such a big game and travel with my teammates. We do not travel to regular season games so all of tournament season is very exciting for us, especially if we get the chance to go to March Madness.

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? I am unsure how the school decides who gets to go to March Madness, but I know we all are grateful for the opportunity. It is not something that every college cheerleader gets to experience so being able to attend is amazing. Last year we went with our men’s basketball team and this year we are going with the women’s. We are looking forward to watching both games though and hopefully we can pull off some wins!

Does your squad have anything extra-special planned for the NCAA tourney? We do not have anything special planned right now: we just want to make sure we can go and perform as well as we have throughout the season.

Any predictions for this week? I just hope that both teams are able to play to the best of their ability and we get to watch some good Drake basketball games. The fact that both teams are coming off championship wins is exciting and I hope we are able to keep up the good energy!

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Tourney Talk: HoopsHD interviews Vermont dancer Jenna Boardman

Posted on March 20, 2024 by Jon Teitel

Last Saturday Vermont beat UMass Lowell 66-61 in the America East tourney title game to earn an automatic bid to this week’s NCAA tournament. The Catamounts have now won 23+ games for the 3rd straight year and are heading to the NCAA tourney for the 3rd straight year. Earlier today HoopsHD’s Jon Teitel got to speak with Vermont dancer Jenna Boardman about her team’s remarkable run.

You are from Halifax, MA: what made you choose Vermont? I initially looked into UVM after learning about the Medical Center right on campus! After touring, I knew it would be a great fit for both my academic interests as well as dancing. The beautiful campus and amazing people here also made it an easy decision.

You are majoring in Biology with minors in Emergency Medical Services and Dance: why did you choose those subjects? My end goal is to be a Physician Assistant, so my Biology major and EMS minor really help me with that. All of my biology courses check off PA school prerequisites as well as give me a solid foundation for the heavy course load of graduate school. My EMS minor gives me hands-on experience in the medical field: it allowed me to become a certified Emergency Medical Technician and gain research hours working in the Emergency Department, all for class credit. My Dance minor was a late add-on when I realized I had some extra room in my schedule and could fill it with one of my non-medical passions! My Dance minor classes are definitely stress-relieving classes and help me get a break from the rigorous STEM courses.

You are a senior: what is the post-graduation plan? I will be staying here in Burlington for another year while applying to Physician Assistant schools. My plan is to keep my job as a medical assistant at UVMMC and well volunteer as a Doula at the hospital too. Hopefully after next year I will be off to PA school somewhere!

You work as a Building Manager at the school’s Student Center and as a Medical Assistant at the school’s Medical Center: how on earth do you balance your work on the dance team with your work in the classroom with your work at your multiple jobs?! It is a very fine balance and I rely a lot on my Google calendar to keep me on track! I enjoy staying busy so I definitely pack my days full. Thankfully, both of my jobs are flexible and allow me to change around my schedule if needed for dance. Our practices are also late at night so I like to work earlier in the morning and fill the middle of the day with classes.

How long have you been dancing for, and what is the best part of being on the dance team? I have been dancing since I was 3 years old! My favorite part of being on the dance team has to be the people. Not only are my teammates and coach amazing, but the Vermont Basketball community is as well. Some of my favorite experiences at UVM have been sold-out games at Patrick Gym where you can feel the energy/passion.

What was your favorite memory from this season: beating Yale in December, Senior Night win vs. UMass Lowell earlier this month, other? While the Yale game was an absolutely amazing win, I have to say the Senior Night game was extra special! Having my parents/friends there to support me at my final regular season game meant the world to me, and the fact that it was a great game made it even better!

How does your school decide who gets to go to the NCAA tourney, and what will it mean to you to see your team doing its thing in front of a national TV audience? Our school brings 6 dancers and 6 cheerleaders to the NCAA tournament when we make it. For the Dance Team, our Coach Lynn makes the final decision, but in order to eligible for consideration we have to be willing to stay for all of the Men’s and Women’s basketball games that occur over our Spring Break and be able to miss up to a weeks’ worth of classes. We come from a smaller school so we love the chance to show what we can do as a team. We love being in a large stadium with a jumbotron and it is crazy to receive texts after the game with pictures of us on TV! This is such an amazing chance to represent our team and really try to make the most of it, which I love.

This is your school’s 3rd NCAA tourney in a row: did you get to dance in Buffalo in 2022/Columbus in 2023? Yes! It has been such a fun experience to be on the court for 3 America East Tournament wins as well! I traveled to Columbus last year which was so much fun too. I am excited to see how this year turns out.

Does your squad have anything extra-special planned for Brooklyn? We will have a couple of new timeout performances that will be performed to our Pep Band’s music!

Any predictions for your game on Friday vs. Duke? We are a very superstitious team so I do not want to jinx anything…but I know the basketball team will bring everything it has got!

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Tourney Talk: HoopsHD interviews Saint Mary’s cheerleader Peyton Prebil

Posted on March 19, 2024 by Jon Teitel

Last Tuesday Saint Mary’s beat Gonzaga 69-60 in the WCC tourney title game to earn an automatic bid to this week’s NCAA tournament. The Gaels have won 26+ games for 3 straight years and are heading back to the NCAA tourney for the 3rd year in a row. Earlier today HoopsHD’s Jon Teitel got to speak with Saint Mary’s cheerleader Peyton Prebil about her team’s remarkable run.

You are from Peoria, AZ, but your whole family went to St. Mary’s: was it the easiest decision of your life to follow in their footsteps? When my siblings were attending Saint Mary’s, I was constantly asked if I would follow in their footsteps and complete our family’s legacy. Truthfully, I was not planning on attending Saint Mary’s. Since I made many trips to Moraga to visit my siblings, I felt like I had already gotten the Saint Mary’s experience through them. Because of this, I wanted to experience something different for my college years! However, since I was deciding where I wanted to attend school during the height of the pandemic, I chose to attend Saint Mary’s because it has always felt like home. Thank goodness I chose to be a Gael like my parents and siblings because it has been the best four years! Plus, having my whole family bonded with our shared college experience has been so special.

You are majoring in Communications: why did you choose that subject? Ultimately, I chose to be a comm major because of the versatility it offers. By studying communication at Saint Mary’s, I have developed in a plethora of ways. Specifically, my communication studies have improved my capability to think profoundly, write and communicate adequately, and collaborate with others. Ultimately, attending Saint Mary’s College as a communication major has equipped me to be a more well-rounded individual.

You are a senior: what is the post-graduation plan? Right now, I am leaning towards starting a career in either Public Relations or Social Media Marketing. In the future, I have an interest in furthering my education by attending Law School.

You are a captain (as your sister was a few years ago): what is the key to being a good leader? When my sister was a captain on the Spirit Team, I always admired her ability to lead her team with such poise. During my time as captain, I have learned that one key element to being a good leader is setting a good example. For instance, having a positive attitude. Since my fellow captains and I help lead the team, it is important to make sure that we set the standard for our teammates. While coming into practice or a game day, I always make sure to arrive with a ready to work attitude. More importantly, I make sure I am kind, flexible, and a good listener. When being part of a team, it is crucial to cultivate a positive and welcoming environment!

How long have you been cheering for, and what is the best part of being on the cheer team? Believe it or not, I have only been cheering for the last three years! Unfortunately, we could not cheer on the sidelines during my freshman year due to Covid-19 restrictions. However, I have been dancing since I was 2 years old! Undoubtedly, the best part about being on the Spirit Team is getting the opportunity to be involved within the Saint Mary’s community. During my time on the Spirit Team, I have had the best moments interacting with our fans and cheering for our Gaels! When the UCU Pavilion is packed, there is nothing like it: it is the best atmosphere!

What was your favorite memory from this season: beating New Mexico in November, beating UNLV in double-OT in Phoenix in December, beating Gonzaga on the road in February, other? Since I have grown up with the intense Saint Mary’s-Gonzaga rivalry, watching the Gaels beat Gonzaga on the road last month was the best! However, winning the WCC Championship in Las Vegas was my favorite moment from this season. Nothing felt better than watching the confetti fall down and celebrating with my team!

How does your school decide who gets to go to the NCAA tourney, and what will it mean to you to see your team doing its thing in front of a national TV audience? Each year, we have been lucky enough to bring all dancers on the Spirit Team to the NCAA tournament. Since we are only allowed to have 12 dancers on the court, we do a rotation system. However, our coach makes sure that everyone gets to dance at least once. Getting the chance to perform and cheer in front of a national TV audience is such an amazing opportunity. Since not every team makes it into the tournament, we feel so lucky that we get to continue dancing into March! With this in mind, I cannot wait to see us shine and represent Saint Mary’s on a national level!

This is your school’s 3rd NCAA tourney in a row: did you get to cheer in Portland in 2022/Albany in 2023? This will be my third time cheering at the NCAA tournament since I got to travel to both Portland and Albany. When my sister was on the team she only got to go to the NCAA tournament once. With her experience in mind, I feel so grateful that our team has been eligible to go over the last few years! Even though I love cheering at our home games in the UCU, cheering at the NCAA tournament is unlike anything else!

Does your squad have anything extra-special planned for Spokane? For the NCAA tournament, we bring our favorite routines. Since we have multiple routines throughout the season, we select the ones that we feel the most confident in and the ones that we feel get the crowd the most excited. Ultimately, we want to make sure that we are putting our best foot forward! Additionally, we always perform at a pre-game party for alumni and fans to get them excited for the game!

Any predictions for your game on Friday vs. Grand Canyon? We cannot wait to cheer on our Gaels this Friday against GCU! Since we are coming off of a championship win, I think the team will bring good energy and hopefully get a win!

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