Louisville cheer has two teams, All Girl and Coed, and both are consistently ranked among the best in the country. Tryouts are by invitation only. You apply to the university first, then submit videos, and invitations go out in late April. Tryouts for the 2026-27 team are finished. According to Louisville’s official Cheer Tryouts page, registration for the 2027-28 team opens in March 2027.
The Tryout Process, Step by Step
- Apply to the University of Louisville.
- Forward your university application confirmation email to Elaine@GoCards.com. You’ll get that email once the $30 university application fee is paid. Louisville asks that you don’t send it until tryout registration opens.
- Complete the tryout application. Within about three business days you’ll get a link. You provide your contact information, cheer background, up to three performance videos and a headshot, and pay the tryout fee.
- Wait for an invitation. Tryout status and details are emailed between the last week of April and May 1.
- Attend the in-person tryout if you’re invited, and bring proof of health insurance.
The application and headshot are required, not optional.
All Girl Requirements
All Girl candidates are selected by stunt position: flyer, main base, side base or back spot. Louisville’s example video content:
- Jumps: a combination of two or three jumps, with variety.
- Standing tumbling: two different skills, which can include jumps. For example, a toe touch back tuck, or two back handsprings to a full.
- Running tumbling: two different passes. For example, a round-off back handspring full, or a round-off back handspring whip through to a full.
- Stunt 1: a combination stunt that includes a double down.
- Stunt 2: a combination stunt that includes a flipping dismount.
- By position: all bases and back spots are expected to base a shoulder stand, and all flyers should show every body position.
Louisville notes that stunt sequences can include level 6 and 7 stunts, and that it’s looking for “technique, strength and potential.”
Coed Requirements by Position
| Position | Typical height | Key skills |
|---|---|---|
| Flyer (women) | 4’4″–5’2″ | Flexible (heel stretch, scale); elite stunts; a base required to fly. Standing: two handsprings to a tuck or better. Running: to a tuck or better. No previous coed experience required, so send your best group stunt video if you have no coed base. |
| Middle base (women) | 5’2″–5’6″ | Above-level jumps; toss stunts, toss shoulders; jumps to back; two to full or better; running full front to back; running specialty to full or better on the diagonal |
| Base (men) | 5’8″–6’4″ | Primarily unassisted stunts; solid extended single-leg and one-arm stunts; solid double down. A standing back isn’t required but is encouraged. |
| Tumbler (men) | 5’6″–5’11” | Basic stunts, toss shoulders; jumps to back or better; two to full or better; running full or better back to front; running specialty to full or better on the diagonal |
Eligibility
- You must have applied to the University of Louisville. The tryout process starts with your university application confirmation.
- Louisville’s tryout page doesn’t list a GPA or credit-hour rule, so ask the program about academic requirements.
- You need proof of health insurance at tryouts.
Scholarships
According to Louisville, cheer scholarships are “determined by the head coach using several factors, for example, years in the program.” The program encourages prospects to look into university scholarships early:
- The general deadline for competitive scholarships is usually December 15.
- Financial aid office opportunities usually open in early December and close in early March.
How to Prepare
- Apply to Louisville early. Nothing starts until your university application confirmation is in.
- Choose one position and film for it. Louisville selects by position, so your videos should show the skills listed for that role.
- Tumbling: a standing back handspring series to a full, and running fulls, are the level shown in Louisville’s examples.
- Stunting: build combination stunts with both twisting and flipping dismounts. See our guides on flying and basing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Louisville cheer tryouts open? No. Tryouts are by invitation, based on your application and videos.
When does registration open? For the 2027-28 team, in March 2027.
Do I need to apply to the university first? Yes. Your university application confirmation starts the tryout process.
Who do I contact? Elaine@GoCards.com.
Related Resources
- ACC Cheer Tryout Guides
- Virginia Tech Cheerleading Tryout Guide
- College Cheerleading Tryout Guides Directory
Source: University of Louisville Athletics, Cheer Tryouts (process, requirements by position, scholarships). Last checked September 29, 2026.
