The BYU Cheer Squad has released the official dates and times for its 2026 tryout.
Tryouts for the cheer squad happen once a year near the end of the winter semester. The tryout this year will be a three-day tryout held on: April 30 (4-9 p.m); May 1 (4-9 p.m.); and May 2 (8 a.m.– 9 p.m.).
The cheer squad consists of two teams, all-girl and coed. Together these comprise the entire squad, which is generally around 45 individuals. Both teams try out simultaneously during these days.
There are anywhere from 80 to 120 girls trying out each year. As for boys, there is usually between 15 to 25.
The all-girl team consists of main and side bases, back spots, and flyers. Coed consists of flyers and then boys as bases. Those trying out may be considered for either.
The structure of each day involves, tumbling, jumps, dancing, stunting and one on one interviews with the head coach.
There will be set time for each of the different events throughout the tryout days. Tumbling will include running and standing tumbling passes. The dance will be taught by returning girls from the current team.
For boys, stunting and crowd engagement is the focus, while back tucks or tumblings is secondary.
There will be chances for individuals to mix and work with other stunt groups, to get a variety of experience and know which group they would like to use for their tryout.
Each person will have a chance to showcase their tumbling, jumps, dancing, and stunting skills.
Other general criteria judged are voice quality: tone, projection, ability to lead a crowd. Showmanship: enthusiasm, sharp motions, crowd appeal. Coordination: ability to perform skills exactly as taught. Appearance: personal grooming, neatness.
The final tryout day will be judged by a panel of former collegiate cheerleaders, alumni, and experts in the cheer industry.
After the input of the judges, the team will ultimately be decided by the head coach, based off of skill and on the overall “fit” that individuals are for the cheer program.
For those who make the team, expectations are high. They are required to participate in cheer appearances during the summer, attend a week of practice in July, and be back on campus two weeks before school starts to begin official practices. Once the school year starts, they are expected to make school and cheer their highest priority.
Click here for the tryout link.
The BYU Cheer Squad is preparing for its NCA national competition. It will compete in the 1A Gameday Division, where it is the defending National Champions; as well as the 1A Small Coed Division. This competition will be held April 9-11 in Daytona, Florida.