It’s not often you see the bench of a team react more intensely than the fans. The girls varsity basketball team is the exception.

This might be because of the notoriously low turnout to these games, but the girls varsity basketball team decided to take the lack of support into their own hands.

Ever since an article regarding Monmouth College’s famous bench celebrations was sent out in a group chat, the girls decided they needed to follow suit.

“My coach sent us that article and it inspired us, because for the first couple games we didn’t know what to do, how to cheer, and so it gave us a purpose. It was cool to see how much press they got, so that was our goal this year,” senior forward Claire Baisley said.

Baisley said that the dances have an affect on the other team. “At first we thought it was just to hype up our team, and get them to play better, but after going to a tournament in Arizona, our bench was so loud, the other team couldn’t set up their plays. They were frazzled and they couldn’t even hear their coach,” Baisley said.

The team dances during big plays, after a free throw, and after a made three pointer. They also improvise during the games. “The other day in Evanston we tried to get down on the floor and pretend we were rowing a boat. That one kind of failed, but it’s more how loud we are and how we all do it in sync. We try to do it on big shots and free throws,” she said.

After a free-throw, the bench will clap twice and do the popular dance move, “the dab.” The three pointer celebration involves putting a three up on your hands, swiping the floor and saluting.
Junior guard Kristie Kalis said that the fun on the bench helps players get involved and grow closer as a team. “We do them because they’re fun, and it helps us feel like we contribute to the team,” Kalis said.

“It brings energy to the team and it gets everyone involved,” Kalis said. Team manager Ashley Martinez agreed.

Baisley said that having fun on the bench has formed lifelong bonds. “It helps us connect as a team more. We call ourselves the bench squad and bench buds for life, and we write up rules to bring light to the situation. Our bench embraces it, and we have so much fun.”

They have also begun to sometimes call them the New Trier Student Section, because of their sometimes dismal fan attendance. However, some fans have begun to take notice.

Junior Bianca Schmidt said, “I think they’re funny. They motivate the shooter and it brings attention to the bench and gets the crowd into it.” She also added that she thinks the other team gets intimidated.
Junior boys basketball player Jack French said, “It really gets the bench involved, I think it gets the team pumped up, and brings a lot of energy to the court.”

With playoffs coming up, these moves will be in the spotlight. So expect a fun, competitive atmosphere, not just from those on the court, but from the bench, too.