Cheerleaders participate in cheering with motions, dancing, stunting and tumbling. Crowdleaders participate in cheering with megaphones, stunting and tumbling. Both are equal members of our team, and participate in gameday and competitions
Yes.
No.
Varies. The number of candidates selected depends on the talent pool and the needs of the team in a given year. We typically carry a squad of 20-30 members per year.
Yes. UCA Collegiate Camp is held in early August in Southern California. Camp gives the team an opportunity to learn from top instructors, perform as a team, perfect skills, and bond. Mandatory practices are held in the days before camp at UC San Diego.
Please visit the Tryout Information page for eligibility requirements.
No. Tumbling is strongly recommended, but not required. Candidates should only list tumbling that they can perform unassisted. Candidates will be expected to perform some tumbling skills on hardwood floor. Only back handsprings and above will be evaluated at tryouts. Tumbling skills are extra incentive, and not included in the base evaluation.
No. However, clinics are highly recommended to receive early evaluation, tryout tips, and get a feel for the team and program.
Depends. Tattoos should be discrete in location and size, appropriate, and not detract from the team and uniform. Tattoo coverage is at the coaches’ discretion.
Candidates should have at minimum 2 years of cheer, dance or gymnastics experience.
Candidates will perform a stunt of their own choosing. At minimum a liberty pop-off is strongly preferred.
Candidates who are waitlisted for admission may be conditionally selected pending acceptance to the University for that academic year.
Generally, yes. First, second, and third-year members are required to audition each year. Four-year members are exempted from the tryout requirement.
No. You do not need to complete a physical for tryouts. However, you must upload a completed medical waiver form by the registration deadline. If selected, further instructions for obtaining a physical will be communicated and due prior to UCA Camp in early August.
No. Auditions are closed to the general public including parents and legal guardians.
Yes. Candidates are strongly encouraged to attend in-person tryouts for the best opportunity for team selection. However, video auditions are available for candidates who cannot travel to campus due to extenuating circumstances. Visit our Video Submission page for more information.
Yes. Many of our team members have jobs, internships and other obligations. However, cheer is priority.
No. UC San Diego cheerleading is a Sports Club under UC San Diego Recreation with sponsorship and oversight by the UC San Diego Intercollegiate Athletics Department.
Yes. UC San Diego Cheerleading participates in intercollegiate cheer competitions. All members are expected to be available to participate on the competition team if selected.
See event information for prices.
No. Cheer specific scholarships are not currently offered. For available general University scholarships visit fas.ucsd.edu
Yes. If you are auditioning for both teams, you will indicate this on your registration form. For team selection you may be offered a position on the team the Cheer and Dance coaches feel best suits you. If you are offered a position on both teams, you will be asked to select one for the 2025-2026 season