The University of Tulsa’s Spirit Squad has a cheer team and a pom team, both run by the athletics department. TU’s tryout page still shows the 2025-26 cycle: a spring prep clinic, then two tryout days in April 2025. As of September 29, 2026, Tulsa hadn’t posted newer tryout information. This guide follows the 2025-26 TU Cheer Tryout page on TulsaHurricane.com.
The Program
- Team size. TU Cheer typically has 16 to 25 members, but the number varies. Whether the team is coed or all-girl can also change from year to year.
- Games. All cheerleaders cheer at home football and men’s and women’s basketball games. A travel team goes to away football games and basketball conference games.
- Staff. Kellee Cooper was named Director of Spirit Programs in March 2025. She’s a former Tennessee Titans cheerleader and captain, and was a member of the Oklahoma State Spirit Squad.
- Conference. Tulsa competes in the American Conference.
Eligibility
- All incoming first-year students can try out.
- Current and transfer students need at least a 2.0 GPA and must be in good academic and disciplinary standing. Current TU students must be enrolled full-time.
- Once on the team, members must keep a 2.0 GPA and take at least 12 credits, following NCAA eligibility rules.
Skill Requirements (2025-26)
TU asked for level 3 or higher tumbling, plus group or coed stunting:
- Standing tumbling: back handspring and back tuck, or a standing full.
- Running tumbling: a round-off back tuck, or a back handspring series to a tuck, layout or full.
- Group stunting: a quick toss to target, plus 2 to 3 game-day skills, such as a full up or single-leg stunts.
- Coed stunting: toss hands, push to extension and pop off, plus 2 to 3 non-flipping game-day skills.
How Tryouts Worked for 2025-26
- March 30, 2025: spring prep clinic, then a tryout and season information meeting. You could join the meeting online if you missed the clinic.
- April 12–13, 2025: tryouts, with a team meeting after selection.
- Summer: two work weeks and a home camp in early August. Attendance was mandatory.
- Selection: TU says tryouts aren’t judged only on points. The coaching staff makes the final decision, and it can hold a walk-on tryout if needed.
Tryout Checklist
- Register (separate links for under-18 and 18-plus candidates).
- Submit a release waiver, a copy of your insurance card and a current sports physical.
- Submit a headshot and a letter of recommendation.
- Current students: submit an admissions letter or your class schedule.
- Send all documents as PDFs.
Attire: a black sports bra or tank (no logos), black spandex or shorts, a white bow, and game-day hair and makeup. No jewelry, and tattoos covered.
Team Benefits
TU’s Spirit general information page lists these benefits:
- Scholarships
- Travel
- Leadership development
- Equipment and clothing
- Priority enrollment
- An athletic trainer
- A Spirit-specific student success coach
Squads practice at least twice a week, plus at least two team fitness sessions a week.
Contact
Kellee Cooper, Director of Spirit Programs: spiritinfo@utulsa.edu. For video submissions, check the tryout page for the current contact.
Frequently Asked Questions
When are Tulsa cheer tryouts? The last posted cycle had a March 30, 2025 clinic and tryouts on April 12–13, 2025. Newer dates hadn’t been posted as of September 29, 2026.
Can high school seniors try out? Yes. All incoming first-year students are eligible. The 2.0 GPA rule applies to current and transfer students.
What tumbling do I need? Level 3 or higher, including a standing back handspring and back tuck (or a standing full) and a running round-off back tuck or better.
Related Resources
- University of Oklahoma Cheerleading Tryout Guide
- Oklahoma State University Cheerleading Tryout Guide
- East Carolina University Cheerleading Tryout Guide
- College Cheerleading Tryout Guides Directory
Sources: Tulsa Athletics, 2025-26 TU Cheer Tryout, 2025-26 Spirit & Clinic Tryout Information, Tulsa Spirit General Information, “Kellee Cooper Named Director of Spirit Programs” (2025) and the 2025-26 Spirit Squad Roster. Last checked September 29, 2026.
