The UW Spirit Program will be comprised of a Cheer Squad (male/female members) and a Dance Team. Total make-up of the team will vary between 8-10 Cheer Squad couples (8-10 males/8-10 female members) and 10-12 Dance Team members.
Where & how can I learn more about the UW Spirit Program?
An informational meeting will be held on May 6 from 7-8 pm in East Court at Alaska Airlines Arena. Information will also be given at each clinic. Clinics are on May 11 and June 1 from 9 am – 2 pm in East Court at Alaska Airlines Arena.
When and where are tryouts?
Tryouts will be held:
- Dance Team: Monday, June 3 & Wednesday, June 5 from 5:30-8:30 pm
- Cheer Squad: Tuesday, June 4 & Wednesday, June 5 from 5;30-9:00 pm
- June 6: Team meeting and uniform fitting for both Cheer and Dance
All events will take place in East Court at Alaska Airlines Arena or the Dempsey Indoor unless otherwise noted on the website at www.uwcheerandpom.com
What specific paper work items do I need for tryouts?
To be eligible for tryouts, you will need to fill out required paperwork. Check back for links to the documents on www.uwcheerandpom.com.
If I want to work on my skills for tryouts is there anything I can do?
OPEN practices will begin
- May 10: Open Gym, 6-8 pm
- May 13: Open Gym, 6-8 pm
- May 17: Open Gym, 6-8 pm
- May 20: Open Gym, 6-8 pm
- May 31: Open Gym, 6-8 pm
Those trying out are welcome to attend these practices, but MUST have all clearance forms submitted. NO instruction will be given at these open practices. This is primarily a place to practice. But don’t hesitate- ASK veteran cheerleaders, coaches or others for help. The required sideline will be the only piece of material taught at open practices and upcoming clinics.
Prospective Candidates ONLY and those cleared by the training room will have access to open gym practices. Insurance information, Waiver and Physical must be submitted prior to participation.
Do you offer clinics? Are they recommended?
We will offer upcoming clinics:
- May 11: Clinic, 9 am – 2 pm
- June 1: Clinic, 9 am – 2 pm
Cost: There is a fee for attending clinics. Check back for clinic application and fees.
What time do I show up for clinic and tryouts?
We recommend that everyone attending a tryout session or clinic show up a minimum of 10-30 minutes prior to the scheduled time for check in.
What do I wear to clinics, open practices and tryouts?
The dress code for practices and clinics should include: t-shirts, shorts (within reasonable length for women), pants, cheer and/or dance shoes. Midriffs and sports bra are NOT allowed during practices or clinics as we have a strict athlete dress policy within the athletic department.
The dress code for tryouts should include: PLAIN black sports bra, PLAIN black shorts or pants and cheer and/or dance shoes.
How many people tryout?
Each year is different. Typically has between 50-75 people tryout.
Do I need cheerleading experience?
No, not necessarily. We do ask that you know the “basic” cheerleading motions and have the minimum tryout requirements for each team. Requirements can include tumbling elements, stunting elements and basic dance elements. Please note these skills can be mastered at open practices and clinics! These requirements will be posted on the website.
Do I need tumbling experience?
For the CHEER program…YES! There are basic tumbling requirements. For DANCE…NO! Requirements can be found on website.
Is being able to dance important?
YES…We traditionally have been a dance focused program. But technical dance training is NOT necessary. Just be able to learn basic cheer dance placement, feel the beat, and learn routines quickly!
How do I coordinate Cheerleading, school, Greek life and maybe work?
You must be registered as a full time student (12 credits or more) at the University of WA (Seattle Campus, Bothell Campus or Tacoma Campus) and in good academic standing with the University. We expect team members to be capable of handling the academic workload and cheerleading commitments simultaneously and successfully. Good time management skills are a must if you want to be a successful student and cheerleader. Based upon “our” priority scale, academics are #1, SPIRIT PROGRAM is #2, and so forth. Please note we DO NOT deter you from extra activities or work, but put emphasize the importance of School and the Spirit Program.
Do you offer scholarships or out of state tuition waivers?
Yes. Scholarships are given on an application basis provided by the Alumni Organization. Additionally, we offer our version of “scholarships” which include a basketball stipends and book stipends. Amounts are determined up fundraising efforts over the course of the season.
Who pays for any travel related to cheerleading?
The UW Athletic Department and Spirit Program pay for travel to away games. Travel is a privilege determined by coaching staff. If the opportunity arises, travel to a national competition comes from fundraising efforts by the spirit program.
When and where is Summer Camp?
Summer Camp will occur in August and is MANDATORY FOR ALL MEMBERS.
What is the time commitment?
Spring quarter and summer practices are TBD. Fall-Winter Quarter: 3-4 days a week, 10 to 15 hours: Three 2-hour practices a week, two 2-hour strength and conditioning workouts a week plus any games for the week. Practices will take place are Monday, Wednesday and Friday afternoon. Class schedules MUST be completed by 3:00pm. Strength and conditioning workouts will be determined by the strength and conditioning coaches and will occur 2 times a week. Each member MUST participate in cardio exercises 3 times a week. Spirit Program will participate in Football season, select Volleyball games and Men’s/Women’s Basketball. Additionally, gigs, rallies, community service events, University events or fundraising may occur throughout the season.
Does the Spirit Program compete at nationals?
Competing is ultimately a goal of the spirit program, though sideline cheering is our priority.
Is there a height and weight requirement?
No!! We do not maintain a height and weight requirement. We do require that all potential members maintain the appropriate physique in order to participate in the required movements. All members must also maintain the same physique that they had when making the squad at tryouts.
Do you accept VIDEO tape tryouts if I can’t attend the tryout in person?
YES…Videos are required if you DO NOT plan on attending tryouts. Only videos will be accepted by those who CANNOT physically make it to tryouts. Please place footage on a DVD or a Facebook page accessible to the Spirit Program. It is recommended that you make every effort to attend tryouts. Video tryouts may be a disadvantage for you. Please consult with Spirit Coordinator at uwspirit@uw.edu about videos and required skills for tryout. Those trying out by videotape only need to submit the Application and Head shot photo.
What are you looking for in a UW Spirit Member?
UW Spirit members are well-rounded athletes. We are part of a prestigious University, so we want our cheerleaders to graduate and achieve in the classroom. Our program is comprised of well-mannered, spirit-oriented cheerleaders who are disciplined and have good work ethic. Our priority is to spirit raise, crowd direct and represent the University of Washington.