About West Virginia University Cheerleading

West Virginia University cheerleading is one of the most recognizable programs in the Big 12 Conference. The Mountaineers cheerleading squad brings explosive energy to every game day at Milan Puskar Stadium and the WVU Coliseum. Known for their dynamic stunting, spirited crowd leadership, and deep connection to West Virginia traditions, the team represents the passion and pride of an entire state. WVU cheerleaders are among the most visible ambassadors of Mountaineer athletics, appearing at football, basketball, and Olympic sporting events throughout the year.

Tryout Requirements

WVU cheerleading tryouts are competitive and require a strong foundation in multiple skill areas:

• Tumbling: Standing back handspring is required; running tumbling through a tuck is preferred. Layouts and fulls will set you apart.
• Stunting: Experience in co-ed stunting is highly valued. Demonstrated ability to base, fly, or backspot with proper technique and safety awareness.
• Jumps: Clean toe touches, herkies, and pikes with height and pointed toes.
• Dance and Motions: Sharp technique with the ability to learn and perform fight songs and dance routines quickly.
• Academics: Must be a current or incoming WVU student in good academic standing.

What to Expect at Tryouts

West Virginia University typically conducts tryouts in the spring for the upcoming academic year. The process begins with a mandatory pre-tryout clinic where candidates learn material including the Mountaineer fight song, sideline cheers, and a dance routine. On tryout day, you will perform your individual skills (tumbling, jumps), demonstrate stunting in groups, and perform all material taught during the clinic. Coaches evaluate technical execution, performance quality, voice projection, and how well you represent the Mountaineer spirit. The atmosphere is intense but supportive — coaches want to see you succeed.

Preparation Tips

Start preparing at least two months before tryouts. Focus on building your tumbling skills with a qualified coach. Practice jumps and motions daily, recording yourself to review technique. Build your stamina and strength through conditioning workouts. Learn the WVU fight song and familiar traditions before the clinic. On tryout day, wear old gold and blue, arrive early, stay hydrated, and project confidence throughout. Remember that West Virginia cheerleading is about energy, pride, and community — let your enthusiasm shine through every performance.

Important Information

Check the official WVU Athletics website and follow @WVUCheer on social media for tryout dates, registration forms, and updates. Contact the coaching staff for specific questions about eligibility and requirements. Being a WVU cheerleader means representing a program with a proud tradition and one of the most passionate fan bases in college sports.

Conclusion

Trying out for the West Virginia University cheerleading team is your opportunity to join a program that embodies Mountaineer pride. Prepare thoroughly, bring your best energy, and show the coaches you have what it takes to wear the old gold and blue. For more tryout guides, explore our articles on Ball State University and Loyola University Chicago tryouts.

Official Tryout Information

Because tryout dates, eligibility standards, rosters, and staff contacts can change, always confirm the latest details with official West Virginia University sources before attending auditions or submitting materials.

• Official cheer / spirit program page
• Official tryout, recruiting, or program information
• Official staff / athletics contact page

Review those official pages for the most current tryout forms, technique expectations, medical or academic requirements, and deadlines.

West Virginia University Tryout Readiness Plan

This guide should be used as a practical preparation roadmap, not as a replacement for the school’s official tryout instructions. Cheer tryout details can change each season, so confirm the latest dates, forms, clinic options, video-submission rules, fees, and eligibility requirements through the official athletics or spirit program source before making plans.

For this type of college cheerleading tryout, candidates should prepare both performance skills and game-day presence. Coaches are often looking for athletes who can learn quickly, stay composed under pressure, represent the school positively, and contribute to a clean team image on the sideline, court, mat, or competition floor.

Skills to polish before tryouts

• Motions: hit sharp lines, clean angles, and consistent timing.
• Jumps: work on toe touches, herkies, pikes, flexibility, and controlled landings.
• Stunting: review safe grips, strong communication, body control, and role-specific technique.
• Tumbling: only show skills you can perform safely and consistently.
• Performance: practice smiling, voice projection, eye contact, and confidence after mistakes.

How to Stand Out at This Tryout

Standing out does not always mean having the hardest tumbling pass. Many college programs value athletes who are coachable, prepared, reliable, and able to represent the school well in public. Show up early, dress appropriately, know the required material, listen carefully, and respond professionally to corrections.

Use the College Cheerleading Tryout Guides Directory to compare other programs and the Stunts and Tumbling Hub to strengthen skill preparation. If you are newer to cheer, the Beginner Cheerleading Hub can help you build a stronger foundation before the next tryout cycle.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I contact the program before tryouts?

If the official page provides a coach or spirit program contact, it is reasonable to ask polite, specific questions that are not already answered on the tryout page.

What should I bring to tryouts?

Bring required forms, water, snacks, cheer shoes, comfortable practice clothing, hair supplies, and any medical or insurance documentation requested by the school.

How can I improve my chances?

Prepare early, clean up fundamentals, build stamina, practice learning material quickly, and show strong attitude and coachability throughout the entire process.

Last reviewed: July 2026 | Sources: Official West Virginia University athletics website and cheerleading program guidelines. Always verify current requirements with the WVU cheerleading program directly.