Rutgers cheerleading is part of the Rutgers Spirit Program, which also includes the dance team and the mascots. It cheers for Scarlet Knights athletics in the Big Ten, and the current roster includes both men and women. Rutgers doesn’t publish a public tryout packet or tryout dates on its athletics site. Its cheer page links a “Recruits” form and a Camps & Clinics page, but as of September 29, 2026, both led to a “page not found” error. The dependable route in is the listed coaching staff.

How to Get on Rutgers’ Radar

1. Check for the recruit form. It’s linked as “Recruits” on the Rutgers Cheerleading page, but on September 29, 2026 that link led to a “page not found” error. If it’s working again, fill it out.
2. Look for clinics. The Camps & Clinics link on the same page also led to a “page not found” error on September 29, 2026, so no cheer clinic dates were posted. Ask the staff about upcoming clinics.
3. Contact the coaching staff with your skills and a video link, and ask about the next tryout or evaluation.

Coaching Staff

The Rutgers Spirit Program staff directory lists:

• Christine Zoffinger — Head Coach, Spirit Program (czoffinger@scarletknights.com).
• Patrick “Scooter” Mullin — Assistant Coach, Spirit Program (Cheer and Mascots).
• Donahue Allen, Jennifer Cibelli and Kathryn Hartwig — Assistant Coaches, Cheer.

How to Prepare

Rutgers doesn’t publish skill minimums, so train to the standard of Big Ten coed cheer:

• Partner stunting: the roster is coed, so work on toss-to-extension, liberty and clean dismounts with a reliable partner. See our guides on flying and basing.
• Tumbling: a consistent standing back tuck and a running pass you land every time.
• A skills video: have one ready to send to the coaching staff.

It can also help to compare Big Ten programs that do publish requirements, such as Purdue and Iowa.

Frequently Asked Questions

When are Rutgers cheer tryouts? Rutgers doesn’t post tryout dates publicly. Contact the coaching staff.

Is Rutgers cheer coed? Yes. The current roster includes both men and women.

Who is the head coach? Christine Zoffinger, Head Coach of the Spirit Program.

Related Resources

• Purdue University Cheerleading Tryout Guide
• Indiana University Cheerleading Tryout Guide
• College Cheerleading Tryout Guides Directory

Sources: Rutgers University Athletics, Cheerleading, 2026-27 Cheerleading Roster and the Spirit Program staff directory. Last checked September 29, 2026.