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.

Official Tryout Information

Tryout requirements can change year to year, so always confirm deadlines, materials, and eligibility on the official university pages before making travel plans or submitting applications.

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.

Final Preparation Checklist

Use this checklist during the final two weeks before tryouts. It helps you stay organized and prevents last-minute mistakes that can hurt your confidence on evaluation day.

Confirm paperwork: Make sure your tryout registration, physical form, proof of insurance, academic information, and any required waivers are submitted before the deadline.
Practice the material daily: Fight songs, sideline cheers, and band dances should feel automatic. Coaches notice athletes who learn quickly and perform confidently.
Clean your tumbling: Do not chase new skills at the last minute. Focus on landing your strongest skills with good technique, pointed toes, tight arms, and controlled finishes.
Polish your jumps: Practice jump entries, arm swing, toe point, hip rotation, and clean landings. A technically clean jump sequence can separate you from athletes with similar tumbling skills.
Prepare your tryout outfit: Wear fitted athletic clothes, cheer shoes, and secure hair. Avoid jewelry, loose clothing, or anything that distracts from your technique.
Bring the right mindset: Coaches are evaluating coachability, effort, attitude, and team fit as much as physical skill.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Trying skills you cannot hit consistently: A clean back handspring is better than an unsafe or sloppy tuck. Only show skills you can perform reliably under pressure.
Ignoring school traditions: University cheerleaders are crowd leaders. If you know the fight song, chants, mascot traditions, and game-day style, you look more prepared.
Low energy between turns: Coaches watch you even when you are not performing. Stay engaged, encourage others, and keep a positive presence.
Poor communication in stunts: Count clearly, listen to corrections, and stay calm. Safe stunting depends on timing and trust.
Overtraining the week before: Fatigue causes mistakes. Taper your training, stretch, hydrate, and arrive fresh.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need elite tumbling to make the team?

Elite tumbling helps, but it is not the only factor. Coaches also evaluate stunt technique, jumps, motions, voice, leadership, attitude, and how quickly you learn material. If your tumbling is not the strongest part of your tryout, make sure your motions, spirit, jumps, and coachability are excellent.

What should I focus on if I only have one month to prepare?

Focus on consistency. Clean your strongest tumbling skill, stretch daily, improve jump technique, learn school traditions, and practice performing with confidence. Use our guides on cheerleading tryout tips, jump height, and warm-up routines to build a focused plan.

How can I stand out from other athletes?

Show that you are prepared, energetic, safe, and coachable. Learn the school-specific material early, answer feedback quickly, perform with strong facial expressions, and support other athletes during the process. Coaches want talented athletes, but they also want reliable teammates who represent the university well.

Related Cheerleading Resources

Before tryouts, review our cheerleading for beginners guide, flyer technique guide, base technique guide, and cheerleading shoes guide. These resources help you prepare physically, technically, and mentally for a stronger tryout performance.

Penn State University Cheerleading Tryout Guide

Penn State University Cheerleading Tryout Guide