Each semester, Saint Louis University students and fans fill Hermann Stadium and Chaifetz Arena with blue and white. Students, families and fans alike shout their support for the Bilikens, defining the atmosphere of SLU sporting events. However, those fans in the stands are not the only ones working hard to bring the school spirit.
One of the biggest factors in building the energy is the SLU dance team. Quietly contributing to decades of SLU athletics, the dance team performs at all soccer and basketball games for both the men’s and women’ s teams.
The current 2025-2026 season has been one filled with success for SLU sports. The men’s soccer team advanced to the NCAA tournament semi-final at the end of the fall season, and the men’s basketball team returned to March Madness for the first time since 2019. The SLU dance team has been present at every home game and several away games as well.
SLU dance senior, Jael Masloski, said that the increase in fan turnout throughout the basketball season kept team spirits high.
“The student section especially played a huge role in creating the atmosphere this season. Games like ‘Billiken Blizzard’ and ‘Blue Out’ showed us how much our fans value the men’s basketball experience,” Masloski said. “I truly believe the Billikens have one of the best student sections, and even as the season came to an end, the fans stayed engaged and eager to cheer loudly alongside us.”
The commitment of Billiken fans continued as the men’s team began its March Madness journey.
Fellow senior member of the SLU dance team, Hannah Lumpkins, is one of the dancers who took the trip to Buffalo, New York, to support the Billikens in the NCAA tournament, and said it was “the most exciting experience in my college dance career.”
SLU came out strong for their first appearance in the tournament, beating the 8. seeded Georgia Bulldogs 102-77. Despite the game being away from home, Lumpkins said that there was an impressive turnout of SLU fans in the crowd.
“It was amazing. There were so many more SLU fans and community members than I anticipated, considering that we are very far away from home,” Lumpkins said. “It gives you that extra rush, feeling like people are truly here to watch you and it’s just so exciting to get to perform for your own community and people who are also backing your own community.”
Masloski echoed Lumpkin’s sentiment and said that SLU’s experience at March Madness will be remembered for years to come.
“As performers, that kind of support makes a big difference because it brings excitement and momentum to the entire experience,” Masloski said. “It was really special to see the SLU community show up like that and support the Billikens on such a big stage.”
In the second round, SLU lost to No. 1 seed Michigan in a hard-fought matchup, marking an end to both the basketball and dance seasons.
As a senior, Masloski said that she has learned valuable life lessons from SLU dance.
“From my first year to my senior year, it has taught me what it means to be a leader. I have learned that leadership isn’t about a title, it’s about the example you set and the way you show up for your team each day,” Masloski said. “I’ve appreciated every moment of being part of this team.”
Lumpkins, also a senior, said that the group’s support will carry with her after her graduation from SLU.
“Working with the group, getting to understand how to learn and grow and develop with so many different personalities and work ethics, it’s taught me a lot about myself and how to set myself up for success and learn from others,” Lumpkins said.
