Alabama A&M University’s cheerleaders support the Bulldogs, a Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) program based in Normal, Alabama. The university calls its squad “one of the most respected cheerleading programs” in the SWAC. Alabama A&M publishes only a short tryout overview for cheer, and parts of it are several years old, so this guide sums up what the official pages say and who to contact.
Where the cycle stands (September 30, 2026): Alabama A&M hasn’t posted tryout dates for the next squad. The most recent roster on the athletics site is for 2024-25, and the university’s cheer page still refers to the 2018-19 school year. Confirm every detail below with the athletics department before tryouts.
When Tryouts Happen
The university’s Cheerleading page says tryouts are held in April every year. The last detailed schedule Alabama A&M Athletics posted, for 2019, ran over one weekend:
- Friday: registration at 5 p.m., followed by a clinic at 6 p.m.
- Saturday: the tryout, starting at 8 a.m.
Who Can Try Out
- Prospective students, including high school seniors, who have committed to attend Alabama A&M
- All Bulldog cheerleaders must be full-time students and keep a 2.0 cumulative GPA
What to Bring
The Cheerleading page lists these items. Don’t mail them; bring them on the first day of tryouts:
- A letter of acceptance to Alabama A&M, or something showing you’ve completed the application process
- A personal photo (it won’t be returned)
- A photocopy of your insurance card, front and back
- An unofficial transcript (2.0 or higher)
- The name and contact information of your cheer coach
- The $25 application fee
All participants complete the forms during Friday registration.
What the Squad Does
Alabama A&M cheerleaders cheer at all home football games and all home men’s and women’s basketball games. They also appear at events ranging from pep rallies to alumni gatherings. The squad has competed nationally: in April 2022 it went to the NCA Collegiate Cheer National Championship in Daytona Beach, Florida, in the Intermediate All-Girl Division I.
The 2024-25 roster lists 38 cheerleaders. Rasheba McGowan and Shawdee McKinney are listed as the cheer coaches.
Contacts
The Alabama A&M Athletics staff directory lists the Department of Athletics at athletics@aamu.edu and (256) 372-8057. The squad posts on Instagram at @aamucheer. Ask the coaches for the next tryout date, the current fee and forms, and whether the GPA and document rules have changed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can high school seniors try out?
Yes, if they’ve committed to attend Alabama A&M. Bring an acceptance letter or proof that you’ve completed your application.
What GPA do I need?
Alabama A&M lists a 2.0 cumulative GPA, and cheerleaders must be full-time students.
Are tumbling or stunting skills listed?
No. Alabama A&M doesn’t publish required skills, so ask the coaches what they expect.
Related Resources
- Alabama State University Cheerleading Tryout Guide
- Alcorn State University Cheerleading Tryout Guide
- Cheerleading Tryouts Guide
- College Cheerleading Tryout Guides Directory
Sources: Alabama A&M University, Cheerleading and AAMU Cheerleaders Head to National Competition (2022); Alabama A&M Athletics, Bulldog Cheerleading Tryout Information (2019), 2024-25 Cheerleading Roster and Staff Directory. Last checked September 30, 2026.
