The University of South Carolina cheerleading program is part of the Gamecock Spirit Program, alongside the Carolina Dance Team and Cocky. South Carolina fields two Division 1A cheer teams, All-Girl and Large Co-Ed. Gamecock Cheer cheers at all football, men’s basketball and women’s basketball games and also competes. The athletics department says both teams have consistently placed in the top 5 at NCA Nationals, most recently with All-Girl finishing 2nd in 2022. This guide follows South Carolina’s official Gamecock Cheer Tryout Information page.
Where the cycle stands (September 29, 2026): the tryout page still describes the process for the 2026-27 team, which finished in April 2026. South Carolina has not yet posted dates for the 2027-28 team. The 2026-27 timeline below shows how the process works; expect the next cycle to follow a similar spring schedule, but confirm the new dates on the official page.
How the Tryout Process Works
South Carolina uses a two-stage process: an online application with videos, then an invitation-only live tryout.
- Application and videos. You complete the University of South Carolina Cheer Prospective Athlete Information form and include a link to your videos. A selection committee reviews every submission.
- Invitation. Selected applicants are invited to the in-person tryout. Exact location and times come in the invitation.
- Live tryout in Columbia, South Carolina.
For reference, the 2026-27 dates were:
- Applications and video links due by 11:59 p.m. ET on Wednesday, April 1, 2026
- Invitations to live tryouts sent by Saturday, April 4, 2026
- Live tryouts on April 17 and 18, 2026
Skill Requirements and Video Checklist
South Carolina lists only a few firm skill requirements:
- All female applicants: a standing tuck in the fight song.
- All-Girl team: a full up to stretch double down.
- Male applicants: unassisted, single-base stunts (coed toss skills).
Every skill in your videos must be performed on a non-spring surface, such as a dead mat or grass. Recommended videos for female applicants:
- Five standing tucks
- A triple toe back tuck
- Two handsprings to a full or layout
- Your most difficult standing tumbling skill
- Your most difficult running tumbling skill
- Any stunting highlights (no specific requirements)
Recommended videos for male applicants: your most difficult stunting skill, your most difficult tumbling skill, and any cheer or athletic highlights.
How to submit: unlisted YouTube links are preferred. Google Drive or other file-sharing links also work, but avoid any link that expires. Videos sent by email are not accepted.
If You’re Invited to the Live Tryout
Bring these documents:
- A copy of your acceptance letter to USC, or confirmation of your transfer status
- A completed insurance information form
- A signed waiver and release of liability
- A completed preparticipation physical history form
- A copy of the front and back of your insurance card
Attire: women should wear fitted clothing for safety (tanks, sports bras and similar) and cheer shoes. Men should wear athletic clothing with athletic or cheer shoes. No jewelry for anyone.
Female applicants are expected to know the fight song. South Carolina links a Gamecock Cheer fight song video so you can learn it ahead of time. The live tryout schedule itself is released later, to invited athletes.
Recruiting Clinics
South Carolina’s official clinic site lists Carolina Cheer Recruiting Clinics for athletes in grade 9 and up. The remaining fall 2026 dates:
- November 22, 2026 at the Jerri and Steve Spurrier Indoor Practice Facility in Columbia, 9:00-11:30 a.m. (check-in 8:30)
- December 12, 2026 at Lake Country Christian School in Fort Worth, Texas, with an All-Girl-focused session (9:00-11:30 a.m.) and a Coed-focused session (1:00-3:30 p.m.)
Each clinic costs $149 ($144 plus $5 in fees). Details and registration are on the Carolina Cheer Recruiting Clinic page.
Coach and Contact
Logan Lefler is South Carolina’s head cheerleading coach. For questions about the tryout process, South Carolina asks you to email GamecockCheer@mailbox.sc.edu. The athletics staff directory lists the cheer office phone as (803) 777-8429.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does South Carolina hold open cheer tryouts?
No. You apply online with videos first, and only athletes invited by the selection committee attend the live tryout.
What tumbling do I need for South Carolina cheer?
Female applicants need a standing tuck in the fight song. Beyond that, South Carolina recommends videos of standing tucks, a triple toe back tuck and handsprings to a full or layout.
Do I need to be admitted to USC before the tryout?
Invited athletes must bring a copy of their USC acceptance letter or transfer status confirmation to the live tryout, so plan your admission application early.
Is there an all-girl team?
Yes. South Carolina has both an All-Girl team and a Large Co-Ed team. The All-Girl team requires a full up to stretch double down.
When are the 2027 tryouts?
South Carolina had not posted 2027-28 dates as of September 29, 2026. In 2026, applications closed April 1 and live tryouts were April 17-18.
Related Resources
- How to Do a Standing Back Tuck
- How to Be a Better Cheerleading Flyer
- How to Base in Cheerleading
- SEC Cheer Tryout Guides
- College Cheerleading Tryout Guides Directory
Sources: South Carolina Athletics, Gamecock Cheer Tryout Information, Gamecock Spirit Teams and Staff Directory; South Carolina Cheer Clinics. Last checked September 29, 2026.
