Penn State University Cheerleading Tryout Guide
Planning to try out for the Penn State University cheerleading team? This guide covers everything you need to know about Penn State University cheer tryouts, including requirements, skills evaluated, and preparation tips to help you make the team. Located in University Park, Pennsylvania, Penn State University competes at the NCAA Division I level in the Big Ten.
About the Penn State University Cheer Program
The Penn State University cheerleading program is a well-established NCAA Division I program that supports university athletics and represents the school at competitions, games, and community events. The program values both athletic excellence and school spirit.
Tryout Requirements
- Enrollment: Currently enrolled Penn State student or admitted incoming student
- GPA: Minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA required
- Physical: Must pass a physical examination
- Insurance: Proof of health insurance required
- Experience: Previous cheerleading or gymnastics experience recommended
Skills Evaluated at Tryouts
- Tumbling: Standing back handspring required; running tumbling preferred
- Stunting: Coed stunting abilities evaluated
- Jumps: All cheer jumps evaluated for technique
- Motions: Game-day appropriate motion technique
- Voice: Strong projection to lead 107,000+ fans at Beaver Stadium
Preparation Tips
- Learn Penn State traditions: Know the Nittany Lion fight song and “We Are Penn State” chant
- Build tumbling skills: A running tumbling pass through a tuck is competitive – see our back handspring guide
- Practice coed stunting: Penn State is a coed program – master your body positions
- Condition for white-out games: Penn State games are intense – build your stamina with strength training
- Be confident: Penn State cheerleaders need to command one of the largest stadiums in college football
What to Expect on Tryout Day
On tryout day, arrive early with all required materials. The typical process includes:
- Registration and check-in
- Group warm-up and stretching
- Individual skill evaluation (tumbling, stunting, jumps)
- Material learning (fight song, cheers, band dances)
- Group performance evaluation
- Interview with coaching staff
After Tryouts
Results are typically announced within 24-48 hours. If selected, you will attend a mandatory team meeting to discuss practice schedules and expectations. If not selected, request feedback from coaches to improve for next time.
More University Tryout Guides
See our other guides: Kentucky, Alabama, Texas, Iowa State, General Tryout Tips.
