Utah’s cheer team is part of the Utah Spirit Team, which also includes the dance team. The Utes compete in the Big 12. The 2026-27 tryouts ran in two stages: a virtual preliminary round where you upload videos, then in-person finals on campus for those invited. Everything below comes from Utah’s official 2026-27 Cheer Team Tryout Packet.
Who Can Try Out
- You must be a current University of Utah student or already accepted to the university.
- Incoming freshmen and transfer students upload a copy of their acceptance letter with their application.
- All members must carry full health insurance.
How the 2026 Tryout Worked
| Date (2026) | Step |
|---|---|
| March 16 | Online registration opened |
| March 27, 5 p.m. | Registration closed; video upload access granted |
| April 5, midnight | Videos and documents due |
| April 17 | Finalists announced |
| April 25–26 | In-person finals, 8 a.m.–5 p.m. |
| April 26 | Team announced by email by 5:30 p.m.; mandatory team meeting at 6:30 p.m. |
At finals, be ready for previously taught choreography, standing and running tumbling, all stunting, and an interview. As of September 29, 2026, Utah hadn’t posted a 2027-28 packet; recent packets have gone up in December or January. Check the Spirit Team auditions page for new dates.
What to Upload
After you register, Utah assigns you a folder on the university’s file-sharing system (Ubox). You upload the following.
Documents
- A signed waiver.
- A current headshot, ideally in audition attire and with a similar hairstyle.
- A resume with three cheerleading or professional references, including a phone and email for each. Utah asks for references only, not recommendation letters.
- Proof of health insurance.
- Your acceptance letter, if you’re an incoming freshman or transfer.
Videos
Edit everything into one file of no more than five minutes, named with your full name. It should include:
- An introduction: your name, the team you’re auditioning for, your stunt role(s), year in school, major, and anything else you want the judges to know.
- Running tumbling (on a dead mat).
- Standing tumbling (on a dead mat).
- A standing tuck on hardwood.
- Group and/or partner stunting in every role you can do.
- The required stunt sequence (a demo is provided in Ubox).
- The pom sideline.
- “Utah Man,” the fight song.
Don’t include footage of previous team performances such as competition routines.
Minimum Skills
| Position | Utah’s minimum |
|---|---|
| Flyer | Toss extension or toss lib (coed); full up lib (group); stretch double down or arabesque double down; transitional skills (tick tocks, full ups, rewinds, hand in hand, inversions — the harder the better) |
| Group stunt base | Full up to extension or lib; double down; transitional skills |
| Partner stunt base | Toss extension, toss lib, or toss-and-go lib; a two-skill stunt with a transition (for example, toss extension hands lib) |
| Tumbling | Standing tuck, plus running handspring(s) ending in a tuck. Show layouts or fulls if you have them. Men aren’t required to tumble, but it’s encouraged. |
Utah stresses that “execution and cleanliness is key.” It says it’s looking for “the most well-rounded cheerleaders.”
Prep Clinics
Utah ran three optional prep clinics in 2026, all in HPER E 101:
- February 1: a stunt clinic, then pom and Q&A.
- February 22: a full day of cheerleading, a campus tour and Q&A.
- March 29: a stunt clinic, then pom and Q&A.
They’re described as “a great way to learn our style and ask questions about the team.” Registration is announced on the website and Instagram.
The Commitment
- Two semesters. The Spirit Team runs through both fall and spring, cheering at football, volleyball, men’s and women’s basketball, and gymnastics.
- Practice schedule: Tuesday and Thursday mornings from 6 to 9 a.m., plus Tuesday evenings from 7 to 9 p.m.
- Summer: rehearsals begin in August (August 10 in 2026), and extra summer practices may be added.
How to Prepare
- Film on the surfaces Utah specifies. Tumbling goes on a dead mat, and the standing tuck on hardwood. Wear the same outfit in every clip and in your headshot.
- Know which stunt roles you’ll show. Utah wants video of every role you can do, so versatility helps. See our guides on flying and basing.
- Line up your references early. You need three, with contact details.
- Practice for the interview — it’s part of finals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Utah cheer tryouts virtual? The preliminary round is virtual (video upload). Finals are in person.
What conference is Utah in? The Big 12.
Do I need to tumble as a man? No. It’s encouraged but not required.
Can incoming freshmen try out? Yes, if you’ve been accepted to the University of Utah. Upload your acceptance letter with your documents.
Related Resources
- Big 12 Cheer Tryout Guides
- Arizona State University Cheerleading Tryout Guide
- Baylor University Cheerleading Tryout Guide
- College Cheerleading Tryout Guides Directory
Sources: University of Utah Athletics, 2026-27 Spirit Team auditions and the 2026-27 Cheer Team Tryout Packet. Last checked September 29, 2026.
