For Sophie Deatherage, traveling with the basketball team means packing her alto sax. 

A senior and vice president of Creighton’s Pep Band, Deatherage recently traveled with the men’s basketball team, along with Blue Crew and the Dance Team to Denver for the first and second rounds of the NCAA tournament. 

“It’s really, really cool to be right courtside next to the game,” she said. 

The trip was a significant commitment, with only 30 members allowed to attend, but Deatherage has been fortunate enough to travel every year except her sophomore year, which was impacted by COVID-19. 

As a member of the pep band, Deatherage and her fellow students are responsible for bringing energy to the games and exciting the audience.  

“We’re all big fans of the team,” she explained, “We’re always finding ways to bring spirit.”  

The group practices once a week during the school year and works hard to perfect their music and performance skills. 

Deatherage plays the alto saxophone and believes that teamwork is a crucial aspect of their success. “Listening to each other and working together is really important,” she said.  

Although she admits to feeling a little nervous at times, the high-energy, positive environment helps her overcome any anxiety. 

Despite missing school for the trip, Deatherage feels that it is well worth it. She explained that professors understand the importance of the pep band and excuse their absences.  

While in Denver, Deatherage and her teammates had some free time to explore the city and take in some of the sights. They visited a trippy art exhibit called Meoww Wolf, went shopping at the mall and enjoyed some of the city’s excellent food. 

Overall, the Denver trip was a great experience for Deatherage and her fellow pep band members.  

“We work hard, but it’s fun. And we can only get there to that point if we work hard.”