USC’s cheerleading team is the USC Spirit Leaders, a co-ed squad that has cheered for the Trojans since 2006. It sits within USC’s Trojan Marching Band program alongside the USC Song Leaders, the dance line that performs at football games. Tryouts start with online registration and skills videos, and invited athletes attend in-person semifinals and finals. For the 2026-27 season, finals were held May 2–3, 2026. As of September 30, 2026, USC hadn’t posted 2027-28 dates. This guide follows USC’s Spirit Tryout Info page and its 2026-27 tryout flyer.
The Spirit Leaders
- A co-ed team that performs at USC athletic events, rallies and alumni gatherings, with stunts, chants, dance routines and tumbling.
- USC describes its style as “true collegiate game day/UCA” rather than all-star, similar to other Big Ten cheer programs.
- USC’s Meet the Team page currently lists 21 members.
- Conference: USC competes in the Big Ten.
How Tryouts Worked for 2026-27
- March 1: registration opened.
- April 5: Google Form, Pre-Participation Tryout Medical History Form and payment due, with a copy of your USC ID or high school ID.
- April 12: skills videos due.
- April 18: invitations sent.
- May 2–3: invite-only, in-person semifinals and finals.
The flyer doesn’t state the fee amount. Spirit and Song auditions both take place in the spring semester.
What USC Looks For
- Well-rounded, driven athletes who are accountable, consistent and eager to grow.
- Team players who do well in class and can commit to a year-long program.
- Flexibility: leading a chant, learning new skills or filling whatever role the team needs.
- Preferred: previous athletic or lifting experience, and previous cheerleading or gymnastics experience.
USC doesn’t publish a minimum GPA or a required tumbling list for the Spirit Leaders. It stresses safety during all tumbling and stunting.
USC Song Leaders
If you’re a dancer, the Song Leaders are a separate team. They learn more than 30 routines a year and perform at all football games and other Trojan events. USC says auditions for the 2026-27 Song Leaders are closed, and information on 2027-28 clinics and auditions will be posted in January or February 2027 on the Song Audition Info page.
Staff and Contact
- Spirit Leaders: Bria Biggs, Spirit Advisor (briabigg@usc.edu); Jennifer Albeanu, Spirit Coach.
- Song Leaders: Audrea Harris, Song Advisor (audreaha@usc.edu); Cheryl Azurin, Dance Coach.
- Program: Nicole Martin, Assistant Director of Spirit Programs (martinni@usc.edu). She is also the contact for tryout accommodations; USC asks for requests at least seven days ahead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does USC have a cheerleading team?
Yes. The USC Spirit Leaders are USC’s co-ed cheer team. The Song Leaders are a separate dance team.
When are USC cheer tryouts?
In the spring. For 2026-27, registration opened March 1, videos were due April 12, and finals were May 2–3, 2026. Dates for 2027-28 aren’t posted yet.
Is there a video round?
Yes. In 2026, everyone submitted skills videos, and invited athletes attended the in-person semifinals and finals.
Can high school seniors try out?
USC’s 2026 checklist accepted a USC ID or a high school ID, so incoming students could register.
Related Resources
- UCLA Cheerleading Tryout Guide
- How to Base in Cheerleading
- How to Be a Better Cheerleading Flyer
- College Cheerleading Tryout Guides Directory
Sources: USC Trojan Marching Band, USC Spirit Leaders, Spirit Tryout Info (with the 2026-27 tryout flyer), Meet the Team, Spirit Staff, USC Song Leaders, Song Audition Info, Song Staff, FAQ and Staff Directory. Last checked September 30, 2026.
