Frequently Asked Questions

Who is eligible to tryout?

All full-time students that are enrolled at the University of Connecticut, Storrs Campus, and are in good academic and disciplinary standing are eligible to tryout for the teams. Incoming freshmen are eligible to tryout in the spring before their freshman year but must present a letter of acceptance from the University's admissions office on the day of tryouts.

See the Try-outs page for more information.

What are the tumbling requirements?

There is a minimum of a standing back handspring requirement for all women interested in trying out for either team. Having a standing back tuck/back handspring back tuck will make you competitive. There is a series tumbling portion of tryouts, once again a tuck is not necessary but having a round off back handspring tuck or higher may make you more competitive. There are no tumbling requirements for men trying out for the team.

See the Try-out Skill Sheet for a full list of requirements

How many members are chosen for each team?

We usually take about 14 team members for both the Blue (large co-ed) and the White (small co-ed) squads. The Blue squad consists of 7 men and 7 women. The White team usually takes about 10-13 women and 2-4 men depending on the talent level at tryouts. Squads may not fill all positions at the spring tryout. In this event, an additional tryout will typically be held early in the fall to fill the remaining positions.

How often do you practice?

Typically the team practices three times a week for three hours each. Each team member is expected to run a mile prior to each practice as well as work out on their own or with other members of the team on non-practice days. The number of practices each week can change depending on game schedules but typically remains the same.

Do you have an attendance policy?

We have a strict attendance policy. You must be at all practices. Academics and emergency situations are the only exceptions. Squad members are expected to make an effort to plan group meetings and classes around practices. The coach and captains must be notified in advance of a late or missed practice. Failure to attend practices may result in disciplinary action.

I am afraid cheerleading will take up too much time. Will I have enough time to study?

First and foremost you are a student here at the University of Connecticut. All freshmen are required to attend 6 hours a week of study hall in the library. After the first semester, all freshmen who received over a 3.5 GPA and sophomores and higher who receive over a 2.5 are no longer required to attend the weekly study hall sessions, but are encouraged to utilize the resources provided to students at UConn.

Does the school provide apparel for the team members?

The school provides each team member with shorts, UConn Cheerleading t-shirts, and warm ups. The school also provides cheerleading sneakers. All women who make the team are asked to please bring white cheerleading sneakers to school in the fall for the beginning of the season. Men should have white sneakers to wear to the games until the school-supplied shoes come in. Uniforms and pompoms are provided to each member of the team and are expected to be returned at the end of each season.

I am going to visit the University; can I sit in on a practice?

We would love to have you join us. Please contact the coaches prior to your visit to verify our practice schedule for the upcoming weeks.