The University of Hawai’i at Manoa cheer team is part of the athletics department. For the 2026-27 team, it held video auditions, emailed to the head coach. This guide follows UH’s official UH Cheer Tryout / Auditions page and the 2026-27 video audition packet. As of September 29, 2026, UH hadn’t posted details for the 2027-28 team.

The Program

• A coed team. UH describes itself as competing in college cheer’s D1A Large Coed division (UH cheer Q&A, updated 2023). The 2025-26 roster lists 17 cheerleaders.
• Coach. Mike Keolaokalani Baker is head coach. The 2026-27 packet also lists an assistant coach, Kat.
• Conference. Hawai’i competes in the Mountain West.
• Athlete support. UH’s cheer Q&A says cheerleaders use the athlete academic center, including tutoring and priority registration. They also get the athletic training room, a permanent locker with laundry service, travel letters for professors and the varsity weight room.

Scholarships

UH’s cheer Q&A (updated 2023) says the program receives 12 tuition scholarships a year, paid by the athletic department. Some are split between team members. They cover in-state or out-of-state tuition and are awarded each semester at the head coach’s discretion. Confirm the current numbers with the coach.

2026-27 Video Audition

• Deadlines: videos were due May 15, 2026, with last-chance submissions by May 25.
• Rolling review: videos were assessed each Friday until the deadline, and spots began filling once qualified candidates applied. Late videos were accepted only at the head coach’s discretion. UH also said it could open a second round if more spots became available.
• Coed or all-girl background: the packet says all-girl flyers are welcome. UH also asks for more bases, since each extra base opens more flyer spots.

What Your Video Must Show (in This Order)

1. Title card: name, phone, email, home address, and your high school, college or club.
2. Introduction: who you are, what you love about cheer, what interests you about UH, and why you’d be a good addition.
3. One chant: game-ready, using UH themes such as Warriors, Rainbows, Bows or Hawai’i. Include a tumbling or stunt skill, such as a back tuck or a toss to extension or lib.
4. Tumbling: your best safe standing tumbling, with a standing back tuck or full done three times in a row without editing. Then your best running tumbling. A spring floor is allowed, but UH recommends showing that you can tumble on a cheer mat, turf or grass.
5. Stunts: a range of entries, positions and dismounts. All-girl stunts are accepted.
6. Jump (flyers only): a toe touch is recommended.
7. Dance (flyers only): 20 to 40 seconds.
8. Optional: any other skills that show your potential.

UH suggests wearing white, gray, black or green, in clothes that show your fitness. Keep the video short and easy to follow.

How to Submit

• Email Coach Baker at mkbaker@hawaii.edu. Use the subject line “Video Audition 2026 [Your Name]”.
• Attach the video if it’s under 25 MB, or add a private YouTube link.
• Attach the completed audition information sheet from the packet. It asks whether you’ve applied and been accepted to UH.

Our guide to filming a cheer tryout video can help with lighting and framing.

Admission and Other Questions

• Apply to UH first. The Q&A tells candidates to apply to the university before trying out. If you’re denied admission, contact the head coach.
• No height or weight rule. UH says it has none. It expects you to arrive healthy and in top condition.
• Skill level. UH suggests using the stunting and tumbling of the top 10 teams at UCA College Nationals as a guide. Present only the skills you can do cleanly and safely.
• Feedback. You can email a skills video for feedback before auditions.

UH doesn’t publish a minimum GPA for cheer.

Contact

Head Coach Mike Baker: mkbaker@hawaii.edu, office 808-956-4503. The 2026-27 packet also lists Assistant Coach Kat at kkoh@hawaii.edu.

Frequently Asked Questions

When are UH cheer tryouts? For the 2026-27 team, videos were due May 15, 2026, with last-chance submissions by May 25. Check the tryout page for the next cycle.

Do I have to try out in person? For 2026-27, UH used video auditions. Earlier years also had on-island tryouts, so check which format the next cycle uses.

Does UH offer cheer scholarships? Yes. The 2023 Q&A lists 12 tuition scholarships a year, awarded by the head coach.

Related Resources

• Boise State University Cheerleading Tryout Guide
• San Diego State University Cheerleading Tryout Guide
• Fresno State University Cheerleading Tryout Guide
• College Cheerleading Tryout Guides Directory

Sources: University of Hawai’i at Manoa Athletics, UH Cheer Tryout / Auditions, 2026-2027 Video Audition packet, UH Cheerleading FAQ (updated 2023), 2025-26 Cheerleading Roster and Coaching Staff. Last checked September 29, 2026.