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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Tourney Talk: HoopsHD interviews Tennessee dancer Janie Schowalter

Posted on March 19, 2024 by Jon Teitel

Last Friday Tennessee lost to Mississippi State 73-56 in the SEC tourney quarterfinals but still earned an at-large bid to this week’s NCAA tournament. The Volunteers had made the NCAA tourney for 3 straight years as a 3-5 seed and are heading back to the NCAA tourney this year as a #2-seed. Earlier today HoopsHD’s Jon Teitel got to speak with Tennessee dancer Janie Schowalter about her team’s remarkable run.

You are from Grand Rapids, MI: what made you choose Tennessee? It was mainly due to the dance team, and after visiting campus I loved it. The team has a great family dynamic, and I just loved the environment here.

You are studying Psychology with a minor in Business: why did you choose those subjects? I originally wanted to be a counselor…but as I come closer to graduation I am unsure if I still want to do that. I have done social media for both the team and a boutique so I might end up in the digital marketing realm.

You are a senior: what is the post-graduation plan? I do not have concrete plans and am still trying to figure it out.

You play several sports in your free time including pickleball/golf/wake surfing: what is your favorite 1? I enjoy them all because I really like being outside/active. I probably play pickleball the most since it is the easiest for me to get access to.

You been dancing for more than a decade: how did you 1st get into it, and what is the best part of being on the dance team? A lot of people start dance when they are 2-3 years old but throughout my childhood I played a lot of sports instead (soccer/basketball/tennis/volleyball/etc.). In middle school I had a friend invite me to join her for dance classes: she gave it up the following year, but I stuck with it. I later went out to California to work with a choreographer, started the process of tryouts, and then ended up at Tennessee. It is hard to choose 1 favorite part because we get to do so many cool things: football games have such great traditions, but it is also fun to travel to basketball tournaments, plus I have made such great friends.

In 2021 you were named UDA Game Day National Champion: what did it mean to you to win a championship? It was really amazing: I was a freshman that year so it was crazy to take it all in. It is very difficult to compete at that level but after putting in so many hours of preparation, especially during COVID and all the challenges that involved, it is a cool thing to leave college with a ring. It is fun to compete every year even if we do not win a title.

You help run the social media account for the dance team: what does that involve, and any tips for a blogger who wants to take some nice photographs at a basketball game? We have a committee that changes each year based on who wants to help. I joined as a sophomore and have added new tools to my toolbox in terms of graphics/videos/photos. There is a lot of trial/error but being able to grow in that space has been great. I would not call myself a “photographer”, but I do what I can. It is a little more difficult when I am dancing rather than taking photos but if we are running a clinic then I will take some photos. My best advice is to be on top of it by planning ahead to make it an easy process. It is different for each team based on what their “brand” is.

Last year the Vols made it all the way to the Sweet 16: did you get to go dancing with them in Orlando/NYC? I did not get to travel last year. It is based on seniority and last year we had 6 seniors who traveled for that. I get to go to the NCAA tourney this year and I am excited because I think we will win a lot of games. It is always fun to cheer on the team regardless of whether we win or lose…but I always hope that we end up on top. I was in Nashville for the SEC tourney last week: it did not go the way that we wanted but it could be good for the long run.

What has been your favorite memory from this season: spending Thanksgiving in Hawaii, beating Illinois at home in December, other? I always love being in our home arena to see all the fans/energy. My favorite is when the fans “checkerboard” it with different sections wearing orange or white: there is a light show and everyone gets into it!

Any predictions for your game against St. Peter’s in Charlotte on Thursday? I am hoping for a nice and easy win. I think that we could go far because this is the best team that I have seen during my time here. I know we did not win our last 2 games, but it might be a good thing if it sets them up for a longer run because they have the talent to make the Final 4. I will be cheering them on and my hopes are high!

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Tourney Talk: HoopsHD interviews Eastern Washington SO G Aaliyah Alexander

Posted on March 19, 2024 by Jon Teitel

Last Wednesday Eastern Washington beat NAU 73-64 in the Big Sky women’s tourney title game to earn an automatic bid to this week’s NCAA tournament. The Eagles had 4 straight losing seasons from 2019-2022 but are heading back to the NCAA tourney for the 1st time since 1987. Earlier today HoopsHD’s Jon Teitel got to speak with Eastern Washington SO G Aaliyah Alexander about her team’s remarkable run.

You are from Washington: what made you choose Eastern Washington? I wanted to go far away from home at 1st but once I took my campus visit here I liked the college vibe/campus/community and felt comfortable committing here.

Your parents Diann and Corey both coached your high school team: what was the best part of having your parents as your coaches, and what was the not-so-best part (if any)? The best part is that they know me and knew how to push me and had a higher standard for me, which I appreciated. My dad is my biggest cheerleader so it was magnificent to have that in a coach. Sometimes it was hard to be in the middle of everything of 1 of teammates had a problem with 1 of the coaches because I was like, “Hey that is my mom/dad!”…but it was not too bad.

You play for Coach Joddie Gleason: what makes her such a good coach, and what is the most important think that you have learned from her so far? When she came in both her and her staff changed things completely around. 1 of her sayings is FEO (For Each Other) and she does everything with love. She has taught us how to be great leaders and get involved in the community. The staff taught us to compete/expect to win and I love what they have done here at Eastern.

You are majoring in exercise science: why did you choose that subject? I am studying pre-occupational therapy because I like being active and have always wanted to help people. If it does not work out, then I would like to do something in sports. It focuses on the minor movements, which I really like compared to athletic training. I am planning to graduate in June and am excited about the path forward.

In 2021 you started 21 games as a freshman: how were you able to come in and contribute right from the start? The prior coaching staff wanted me to play a big role as a freshman, so I came in with no fear and accepted the PG role, which was challenging. I played more of a 2/3 guard on my AAU team so there was a lot of learning to make sure that everyone was in the right spot.

You did not play in 2022 due to a torn ACL: how bad was it, and how were you able to get back onto the court? I tore it right before the conference tourney during my freshman year. My range of motion was inhibiting me at 1st so I wanted to take my time and make sure that everything was healthy. I sat back, watched the new coaching staff, and learned a lot.

Your 104 FTM this year are most in the conference: how much of your offensive game is focused on getting to the FT line? As good of a shooter as I am, I think that 1 of my strengths is getting to the basket. Knocking down those FTs is something I look forward to doing.

In the Big Sky tourney title game last Wednesday you scored 12 PTS in a 9-PT win over Northern Arizona: what did it mean to you to win a title, and what was the reaction like in your locker room afterward? It has just been amazing! We have worked so hard during the past 3 years and 1 of our goals was to win that title game. To celebrate with everyone and feel the love in the locker room was a great feeling.

In the past 3 years your team’s win total has improved from 9 in 2022 to 19 in 2023 to 29 (so far) this year: how has your team been able to improve so much during that span? After every season we would come together each spring and discuss our high standards. When we came back to campus each August/September we pushed each other to win more games. We lost in the tourney semifinals last year so we really wanted to win it this year. We stayed resilient and were able to get it done.

How do you feel about being a 14-seed, and what do you know about Oregon State? We played them last year and it was a close game. We are just focused on us and what we can do better. We will not put too much pressure on ourselves: we just need to fine-tune some things and be in this moment because it is super-exciting!

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Tourney Talk: HoopsHD interviews Colorado dancer Regan Poppen

Posted on March 19, 2024 by Jon Teitel

Last Saturday Colorado lost to Oregon 75-68 in the last-ever Pac-12 tourney title game but still earned an at-large bid to this week’s NCAA tournament. The Buffaloes have been in the NIT each of the past 2 years but thanks to tying a school record with 24 wins this year they are heading back to the NCAA tourney for the 1st time since 2021. Earlier today HoopsHD’s Jon Teitel got to speak with Colorado dancer Regan Poppen about her team’s remarkable run.

You grew up in Overland Park, KS: what made you choose Colorado? I wanted a school with a good dance program/dance team. It is fun to cheer for good athletic teams and our dance team competes on a national level every January as well. I love the weather/campus/everything about Colorado.

You are pursuing double majors in integrative physiology/sociology: why did you choose those subjects? I knew that I wanted to be pre-med but am still undecided about anesthesiology/surgery/physical therapy. My adviser said that integrative physiology would cover a wide range of requirements, and I like sociology because it takes humanity into consideration.

What is the post-graduation plan? I will probably take a gap year because applying for med school is very intense. I might need some more time since I have been so devoted to my sport: perhaps I will go abroad as well?

1 of the initiatives you are most passionate about is the Special Olympics: what makes it so special for you? Growing up I had friends/neighbors with special needs. My elementary school principal would put me in classes with them and later I was in a “connections” class that integrated everyone together. Sports and inclusion can make a big difference in the lives of those with disabilities so I love that the Big 12 (where Colorado will be next season) is partnering with the Special Olympics.

How long have you been dancing for, and what is the best part of being on the dance team? I have been dancing since age 4 but did not get seriously committed to it until high school. The best part is the people you meet: the teammates/coaches/opportunities are unmatched and I am so grateful because I know those relationships will help me farther down the road in life.

What was your favorite memory from this season: beating Oregon in January, Senior Night win vs. Stanford a couple of weeks ago, other? Senior Night is probably my favorite memory: it was an opportunity for our entire squad to be together at the same time, which does not usually occur because we have to cover so many different events. I love all those girls and it was a fabulous game to watch. I love watching the Buffs play hard so March Madness will probably replace that as my favorite memory because it is INSANE!

Your women’s basketball team also made the NCAA tourney: how excited is everyone on campus? Everyone is thrilled. I was in Las Vegas for the Pac-12 tourney and the women’s team deserves their high ranking because they are fabulous. I have met some of the players on that team, which makes me want to cheer for them even harder. They are kind/hardworking so we are really excited for them.

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? There is some variation. First off is seniority, then availability, then “appearance points” based on our community involvement beyond attending games. Some people read to elementary students or go to a retirement home or help out at a shelter.

Does your squad have anything extra-special planned for Dayton? We are excited to be here and will work with the cheer team to raise everyone’s spirit/energy. It is fun to work alongside the band/mascot as well so I just hope we win!

Any predictions for your game against Boise State on Wednesday? I think it is going to be a great game and of COURSE I have all the faith in our Buffs!

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Tourney Talk: HoopsHD interviews Drexel SR G Brooke Mullin

Posted on March 19, 2024 by Jon Teitel

Last Sunday Drexel beat Stony Brook 68-60 in the CAA tourney women’s title game to earn an automatic bid to this week’s NCAA tournament. The Dragons had a losing record in 2014 but have now had 10 straight winning seasons and are heading back to the NCAA tourney for the 2nd time since 2021. Earlier today HoopsHD’s Jon Teitel got to speak with Drexel SR G Brooke Mullin about her team’s remarkable run.

You were born/raised in Pennsylvania: what made you choose Villanova to start your college career? It was close to home and is a great institution/program/culture. There were a lot of good things that led me to Villanova.

In the 2022 NCAA tourney you beat BYU before losing to Michigan and in the 2023 NCAA tourney you made the Sweet 16 before losing to Miami: what did you learn from your postseason runs that you think will help you this week? Experience is huge: just being in those situations and embracing those moments.

Why did you decide to transfer last year, and what made you choose Drexel? They have a similar system to Villanova, and I knew that Coach Amy Mallon was a great coach, so it was an easy decision for me.

What makes Coach Mallon such a good coach, and what is the most important thing that you have learned from her so far? She cares about us both on and off the court. She has taught me to be in the moment and take in everything without taking it for granted.

Last December you scored a career-high 27 PTS in a win over Buffalo: was it just 1 of those scenarios where every shot you put up seemed to go in because you were “in the zone”? Yeah: my shot was flowing that day and my teammates kept finding me.

Last Sunday in the CAA women’s tourney title game you had 16 PTS/4-9 3PM/5 STL in an 8-PT win over Stony Brook: what did it mean to you to win a title, and what was the feeling like in your locker room afterward? It was such an exciting moment. Nobody thought that we would even make the title game, much less win it, but it was an extremely fun experience to do so.

You are 1 of 6 seniors on the roster: how crucial has all that veteran leadership been to your team’s success? It is always great to have more upperclassmen because everything is new for the freshmen. I have tried to help lead them throughout the season.

Your team’s 55.1 PPG allowed is top-15 in the nation: what is the secret to playing great defense? Just focus/effort. I was always more of a defensive player at Villanova, so I have tried to take it further at Drexel. It is what keeps us in games and Coach says that our offense is our best defense.

Your father John played college basketball, your mother Alexa was an All-American gymnast, your sister McKenna played college soccer, 1 of your brothers plays college basketball, and your uncle Chris is in the Basketball Hall of Fame: who is the best athlete in the family? It is very competitive: that is all I will say!

How do you feel about being a 16-seed, and what do you know about Texas? We will focus on the Longhorns today/tomorrow. We will take it like any other game, worry about us, and see what happens.

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