Michigan State’s cheerleaders are part of the MSU Spirit Squad, alongside the dance team. Both are run by MSU Athletics in the Big Ten. Unlike many programs, MSU doesn’t publish a public tryout packet, dates or skill list on its athletics site. So this guide covers what’s officially confirmed and how to get the rest directly from the program.

What’s Confirmed

• Head coach: Elyse Packard leads the cheer team. Her official title is Director of Spirit Groups and Events, and she has been at Michigan State since 2010.
• Official page: MSU’s Cheerleading page lists the program’s contact details and social accounts.
• Dance team: the Spirit Squad’s dance team is a separate team with its own head coach, Meaghan Porter. If you’re a dancer, contact the dance team rather than cheer.
• Appearances: the Cheer and Dance Teams perform at events ranging from football tailgates to alumni receptions.

How to Get Tryout Information

Because MSU doesn’t post tryout details publicly, the most reliable route is to go straight to the program:

• Email the head coach: packard@ath.msu.edu. Ask about the next tryout date, eligibility and GPA requirements, required forms (physical, insurance) and skill expectations for your position.
• Call: MSU lists the cheer office at (517) 432-5085.
• Follow the program on social media for clinic and tryout announcements:
  • Instagram @MSUCheerleading.
  • X @MSU_Cheer.
  • MSUCheer on Facebook.

A short, specific email works best. Include your graduation year, your stunt position, your top standing and running tumbling skills, and a link to a skills video.

How to Prepare in the Meantime

Without a published MSU skill list, prepare to the general standard of Big Ten college cheer and adjust once the staff tells you their expectations:

• Tumbling: a consistent back handspring, a standing back tuck, and running passes you can land every time.
• Stunting: clean fundamentals for your position. See our guides on flying and basing.
• Jumps and motions: see how to improve jump height.
• A skills video: film one now. Even if MSU runs in-person tryouts, a video is the easiest way to introduce yourself to the staff.

It also helps to see how other Big Ten programs run tryouts. Oregon, for example, published its 2026 tryout dates and format. Compare what other programs publish to set a realistic target.

Frequently Asked Questions

When are Michigan State cheer tryouts? MSU doesn’t publish tryout dates on its athletics site. Email Coach Packard or follow @MSUCheerleading for announcements.

Who coaches MSU cheer? Elyse Packard, Director of Spirit Groups and Events and head coach of the cheer team.

What GPA do I need? MSU doesn’t publish a cheer-specific GPA requirement. Ask the coaching staff directly.

Is the dance team part of the same tryout? No. The dance team has its own head coach and its own process.

Related Resources

• University of Oregon Cheerleading Tryout Guide
• Indiana University Cheerleading Tryout Guide
• Cheerleading Tryout Tips: How to Stand Out
• College Cheerleading Tryout Guides Directory

Sources: Michigan State University Athletics, Cheerleading (contact, social accounts, appearances) and Elyse Packard staff profile. Last checked September 29, 2026.