GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -Timeouts are often used to halt an opponent's momentum, discuss strategy or implement a play at a big moment in a match.
The Cal Lutheran women's volleyball team uses timeouts for similar reasons.
But included in the stoppage of play is an uncommon directive from CLU head coach Kellee Roesel.
"If we are not dancing at timeouts, she tells us you better start dancing. It's weird to get yelled at for not dancing during a game," CLU junior libero Nicki Tetherow said. "She wants us to work 100 percent and stay focused, but she also wants us to have fun and stay loose and is a big advocate for dancing."
The Regals have a long-standing tradition of providing timeout entertainment with their substitutes dancing and singing to the music in the arena.
Each year, they choreograph moves to fit the season's popular songs and joke they are like an a cappella group from the movie "Pitch Perfect."
This season's merry band of substitutes has been dubbed "The Bench Mob." Despite drawing quizzical looks from opposing fans, the CLU subs take their job seriously.
During CLU's NCAA Championship quarterfinal victory over Bowdoin on Thursday, key timeouts halted Bowdoin's momentum and sparked CLU runs.
Although reminders about offensive strategy and defensive alignments probably helped, Roesel gave credit to the moves being made behind her.
"We try to keep it pretty basic. Obviously the most important thing is for us to dance in the timeouts," Roesel said. "I just try to remind them to keep it loose and continue to play Cal Lutheran volleyball."
As a four-year starter, senior outside hitter Allie Eason has learned to absorb the energy from the subs while still paying attention to Roesel during timeouts.
"You really don't have a choice but to focus because she is about a foot away from our faces," Eason said. "But it takes a lot of determination to listen and not be distracted by the girls behind us. They all have different personalities and there are so many weirdos on the team. Something random is always going on, but it's an awesome problem to have."
On her recruiting trip to CLU, Eason was initially worried she may not have the rhythm to compete.
"It was a little hard for me because I am not a big dancer," said Eason, a Buena High graduate. "Me and Michelle (Lawrence) pretty much both stink at dancing. We are the awkward white outside hitters, but we try our best."
Regardless of how much playing time they get, CLU's substitutes have played a crucial role in CLU's NCAA run this season.
"Their energy is unreal, and it gets us so pumped. If I make a mistake, I will look to the bench and they are still cheering and telling me 'You got this' or yelling 'Hey Nicki, you're so fine, you're so fine you blow my mind. Hey Nicki,' " Tetherow said. "It makes you remember why you play this sport is to have fun and that makes us play better."
FAMILY MATTERS
Two years ago when CLU advanced to the Elite Eight, Roesel decided not bring her now 6-year-old daughter, Else, on the trip.
Roesel made sure that changed this year.
"That was a big regret I had the last time," Roesel said. "It was such a fast turnaround from our regional at Trinity and I wanted to focus on the team. But I felt like I was really missing her and missing that perspective in my life, so I am excited to have her here to be a part of it."
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