The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill cheerleading program has two coed squads, Varsity and JV, and is part of the UNC Spirit Program along with the mascots. Both squads cheer at home football games, and Varsity travels to away games. In winter, JV cheers at home women’s basketball games and Varsity at home men’s basketball games, and both follow their teams at tournament time. UNC competes in the ACC. This guide follows the Spirit Program’s official Cheer Tryouts page, which GoHeels.com links to as its Spirit Program site.

Where the cycle stands (September 29, 2026): the tryout page still shows the 2026-27 spring schedule: the interest form was due March 25, 2026 and videos were due April 8, 2026. UNC has not yet posted dates for 2027-28. For more frequent updates, UNC points candidates to its Instagram, @carolinacheerleading.

How Tryouts Work

• Interest form first. Fill out the UNC Cheer interest form to start the process. The spring schedule then includes a video deadline.
• Varsity and JV. Tryouts are held for both squads, and you can try out for both. Placement depends on team needs and the skill level you show, and athletes can move between JV and Varsity during the season.
• No invitation needed to attend a tryout session. Sessions are closed to the public.
• What coaches judge: skill level, potential, leadership abilities and crowd presence. UNC says it is looking for experienced flyers and tumblers.
• Selection is at the coaches’ sole discretion, and acceptance is communicated by email during the process.

Skill Requirements

A back handspring is the minimum to be able to try out. Skills marked “recommended” aren’t required at tryouts.

Women, JV:

• Standing: back handspring, back tuck
• Running: roundoff back handspring; roundoff back handspring back tuck (recommended); roundoff back handspring layout (recommended)

Women, Varsity:

• Standing: back handspring, back tuck, back handspring tuck
• Running: roundoff back handspring back tuck; roundoff back handspring layout; roundoff back handspring full (recommended)

Men, JV: be athletic and willing to learn. UNC says most men who try out have never cheered before, and no cheer background is needed.

Men, Varsity:

• Standing tumbling: back handspring, back tuck, back handspring back tuck
• Stunting: hop and go extension, toss extensions, lib, stretch

Eligibility

• You must be a full-time student at UNC-Chapel Hill. For admission questions, UNC refers you to the admissions office.
• Cheerleaders must maintain at least a 2.0 GPA and stay in good academic standing, with good conduct in and out of the classroom.
• There is no height or weight requirement, though members must be physically able to do the required movements.

Medical Clearance

A physical is required. UNC’s tryout medical requirements say every student trying out needs:

• A physical exam by a licensed physician within the past six months, clearing you for vigorous activity
• The medical history section of UNC’s Sports Medicine Tryout Form
• Proof of adequate insurance and your insurance card, submitted before the tryout period

UNC Sports Medicine physicians review these documents, and you can’t try out until you’re cleared. Start this paperwork well before tryouts.

What to Wear

Dress ready to work out, in tennis or cheer shoes at all times. Women should wear their hair half up, half down or in a ponytail; sports bras are allowed, and no heavy makeup is needed. Remove all jewelry, including nose, ear and belly rings.

Practice and Commitment

• The whole program practices Monday and Wednesday, 5-8 p.m., in Fetzer Gym C.
• On home football weekends, there’s a Friday practice with the band, 4:30-6 p.m.
• Weight room sessions at the football center are mandatory and follow the football program’s schedule.

UNC does not offer cheerleading scholarships. Historically, the cheerleaders and dance team have competed at UCA/UDA and NCA/NDA college nationals.

Coach and Contact

Brown Walters is UNC’s Director of Spirit Programs (cheerleading and mascots) and Varsity cheer coach. The athletics staff directory lists his contact as brownunc@email.unc.edu and 919-225-3025.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the minimum tumbling for UNC cheer?

A back handspring. JV and Varsity each have fuller skill lists above.

What GPA do UNC cheerleaders need?

Cheerleaders must maintain a minimum 2.0 GPA and good academic standing.

Can guys with no cheer experience try out?

Yes, for JV. UNC says most men who try out have never cheered before.

Does UNC offer cheer scholarships?

No, not at this time.

When are the 2027 tryouts?

UNC had not posted 2027-28 dates as of September 29, 2026. In 2026, the interest form was due March 25 and videos April 8.

Related Resources

• How to Do a Back Handspring
• How to Do a Standing Back Tuck
• How to Be a Better Cheerleading Flyer
• ACC Cheer Tryout Guides
• College Cheerleading Tryout Guides Directory

Sources: UNC Spirit Program, Cheer Tryouts, Cheer and Contact; UNC Athletics Staff Directory. Last checked September 29, 2026.