At Arizona State, cheerleading is part of the Sun Devil Spirit Squad, which also includes the Sun Devil Dance Team, Sparky and the Spirit Squad ambassadors. The cheer team is officially called Spirit Leaders Cheer, and it’s a co-ed team.
One thing that surprises many applicants: the Spirit Squad works with the Sun Devil Marching Band, and you apply through the band’s application.
How to Apply
ASU lists the steps for joining the Spirit Squad:
- Complete the Gold Form — the official ASU Sun Devil Marching Band application, which every member completes regardless of section.
- Review and complete the Spirit Squad cheer tryout packet. ASU updates it each January.
- Submit the completed application together with a signed model release and indemnity form.
- Audition in the spring before the season you want to perform.
The Cheer Audition Timeline
For the 2026-27 team, ASU published this schedule:
| Date | Step |
|---|---|
| March 3 | Applications open |
| April 19 | Applications due |
| April 23–26 | First round (virtual) |
| May 8 | Second round (semifinals) |
| May 9 | Third round (finals) |
In 2026 the first round was virtual, so candidates could get through the initial cut without traveling. The semifinals and finals followed in early May. The 2026 cycle is over. ASU says auditions are held “each spring… (March through May)”. Check the current packet and the Spirit Squad page for next-cycle dates and requirements.
Audition Prep Clinics
ASU offers cheer and dance audition prep clinics every January, February and March. They’re open to any high school or college student interested in the Spirit Squad. Clinics are the best way to learn ASU’s material and expectations before auditions.
What the Team Does
The Spirit Squad performs at every home and away football game, at men’s and women’s basketball, and at some volleyball and baseball games. Performances include pregame, halftime, timeouts and the sidelines, often alongside the marching band, plus campus and community events. According to ASU, the cheerleaders “perform energetic routines, stunts and tumbling at ASU athletic events.”
Who to Contact
ASU lists Bianca Caryl, Spirit Squad dance program director, as the contact for audition questions (b.caryl@asu.edu). Follow @ASUSpiritSquad on Instagram and X, or Sun Devil Spirit Squad on Facebook, for clinic and audition announcements.
How to Prepare
- Get the packet in January. It sets the skill requirements for the year, so build your training plan around it.
- Be ready to film your skills. The 2026 first round was virtual. If the next packet includes a video round, film on a hard surface in good light with your full body in frame, and practice until your skills are consistent on camera.
- Train coed stunting. Flyers should lock in body positions and balance, and bases should build toss-to-extension strength and timing. See our guides on flying and basing.
- Tumbling and jumps: start with a clean back handspring and work on jump height.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is ASU cheer coed? Yes. The team is Spirit Leaders Cheer (co-ed).
How do I apply for ASU cheer? Complete the Gold Form (the Sun Devil Marching Band application), complete the cheer tryout packet, and submit a signed model release and indemnity form. Then audition in the spring.
Is the first round in person? No. For 2026-27 it was virtual (April 23–26). The semifinals and finals followed on May 8 and 9.
Can high school students go to ASU’s clinics? Yes. The January–March audition prep clinics are open to any high school or college student.
Related Resources
- Big 12 Cheer Tryout Guides
- Baylor University Cheerleading Tryout Guide
- Cheerleading Tryout Tips: How to Stand Out
- College Cheerleading Tryout Guides Directory
Sources: Sun Devil Athletics, ASU Spirit Squad, Dance Team and Cheer (2026-27 audition dates, application steps, clinics, contact and social accounts). Last checked September 23, 2026.
One thought on “Arizona State University Cheerleading Tryout Guide”