Shepherd University Cheerleading Tryout Information
Date: May 16, 2026 from 8:30 am to approximately 5:00 pm.
Location: Butcher Center at Shepherd University 2nd Floor Left Balcony

Join the 26-27 SU Cheer Tryout Band to keep up with tryout material and updates: https://band.us/n/aaa7baz7Pfz5j
 
General Information: 
You must be a full-time Shepherd University student or incoming student with an official letter of acceptance from Shepherd University in order to try out. If you have not been accepted yet, you must provide proof of application. Current athletes and prospective athletes must attend tryouts. Athletes must maintain a 2.0 GPA to be eligible to cheer. 

Team(s) will be decided at tryouts. ALL athletes cheer for an entire season- including football, basketball, and competition. 
The tryout process will consist of stunting and tumbling skills, a timed mile run, band dance performance, and a sideline cheer. All athletes should also be prepared for a private interview question with the panel of judges. You will be asked to stunt with multiple groups. While elite, college-level stunting and tumbling skills are preferred and essential for making a team, collegiate game day presence, motions, and crowd leading skills are required. Additionally, Shepherd University cheerleaders are ambassadors for the school and program and should be representing the team with good morals and conduct. 
 
Required Forms (must be completed BEFORE tryouts):
Tryout Application: Click Here
 
What to wear: 
White Shirt, Navy or Black Shorts, Cheer Shoes, Hair Half-Up, Half-Down with a Bow
**Bring running shoes**
 
Team Requirements & Information: 
 
Advanced All-Girl Division II
Cheers at all home football and basketball games and competes at NCA College Nationals in the Spring. 
Stunting:
-Inverted skills (round off up, front/back handspring up, inversions, rewinds)
-Flipping dismounts. 
-Flipping basket tosses. 
Preferred Tumbling:
-Standing tucks
-Standing two to layout or full
-Running handspring layout or full 

 
Frequently Asked Questions: 
Do I need to register before tryouts? 
No, you do not need to register before tryouts. You will register upon arrival to tryouts. Please ensure you have the Tryout Application completed digitally BEFORE tryouts and learned the tryout material uploaded in the Tryout Band. 

Can my family/friends attend tryouts? 
No, tryouts are closed to the public.
 
What can I expect at tryouts? 
Tryouts will consist of learning team expectations, completing a timed mile run, reviewing band dance and sideline cheer material, stunting, and tumbling. After a lunch break, there will be a formal evaluation of taught material, advanced stunting skills, jumps, and tumbling. The team will be decided at the conclusion of the day. A mandatory team meeting for all members who made the team will follow directly after. 

What if I am unable to make it to tryouts? 
If you are unable to attend tryouts, please contact us at jroach@shepherd.edu as soon as possible. Video tryout options will be available in unique situations and are due no later than May 15th. Preference will be given to athletes who attend in-person tryouts. 

How can I set myself apart at tryouts and increase my chances of making a team? 
While stunting and tumbling skills are highly valuable, technique and execution of skills are largely taken into consideration when considering a candidate's potential. A positive attitude, strong work ethic, and ability to adapt and take direction will give you a huge advantage. When performing the band dance and sideline cheer, pay attention to your motion placement, tightness of your motions, energy, and overall ability to perform and engage a crowd. 
 
For any additional questions, please email jroach@shepherd.edu.