Duke has two cheer squads, Blue and White. Both are chosen at one multi-day tryout each spring, and you must be a full-time Duke student or an admitted student to try out. This guide follows the official Duke Cheerleading page on GoDuke.com. As of September 29, 2026, Duke hadn’t posted dates for its next tryout.
The Two Squads
- Blue Squad. Cheers at all home and away football games and at home men’s basketball games. It also travels to bowl games and men’s basketball tournaments.
- White Squad. Cheers at all home football games and home women’s basketball games, and travels to postseason women’s basketball tournaments.
- Appearances. Both squads also make regular appearances for the university and the athletics department.
The roster on Duke’s cheer page is still the 2024-25 roster, with 24 cheerleaders.
Who Can Try Out
Duke’s cheer page says prospective members must be full-time Duke students. Incoming first-year and transfer students need an official letter of acceptance. Duke doesn’t publish a minimum GPA.
How Tryouts Work
- When. Both squads are chosen at a multi-day tryout in the spring, running Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
- Before tryouts. Every candidate must fill out the Duke Athletics Health Form and email it to the cheer staff. The form asks for U.S.-based medical insurance details and a health history.
- Last posted application. Duke’s most recent public application is from the 2022-23 cycle. It asked for the health form, the tryout application, a signed participation agreement, a copy of your Duke Unique ID or acceptance letter, and a copy of your driver’s license. You marked Blue Squad, White Squad, both, or mascot. Positions listed were top girl, main base, side base and backspot. Ask the staff which forms are current.
If You Make the Team
- Practices: 2 to 3 times a week, working on tumbling, stunting and game preparation. Times change each semester.
- Scholarships: Duke cheerleading doesn’t currently offer them.
- Benefits: Nike gear, academic counseling, the nutrition station and a strength and conditioning coach. Game travel is free during the year, with no out-of-pocket fees.
What Duke Doesn’t Publish
The cheer page doesn’t list skill minimums, a tryout fee or exact dates. Ask the cheer staff about these before you plan for tryouts.
Contact
Duke’s cheer page asks candidates to send the health form and questions to Matt Feye. He isn’t listed in Duke’s current staff directory. The directory’s Spirit department lists Alexis Brown, Assistant Cheer Coach, at alexis.o.brown@duke.edu. Check with her for the current contact before you send forms.
Frequently Asked Questions
When are Duke cheer tryouts? In the spring, over a Friday-to-Sunday weekend. Duke hadn’t posted the next dates as of September 29, 2026.
Can high school seniors try out? Only if you’ve been admitted to Duke. Incoming students need an official acceptance letter.
Does Duke give cheer scholarships? No, not currently. Game travel is free, and there are no out-of-pocket fees during the year.
Related Resources
- University of North Carolina Cheerleading Tryout Guide
- Wake Forest Cheerleading Tryout Guide
- University of Virginia Cheerleading Tryout Guide
- College Cheerleading Tryout Guides Directory
Sources: Duke Athletics, Duke Cheerleading, Duke Athletics Health Form, 2022-23 Cheerleading Application and the Staff Directory. Last checked September 29, 2026.
