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Western Michigan University Athletics

Cheer Team General Information and FAQ's

What are the responsibilities and privileges of a WMU Cheerleader?

  • WMU Cheerleading is a major time commitment. The Cheerleading year begins in May. Throughout June, July, and August, members of the team are required to attend practice, UCA College Cheerleading Camp, appearance, events, and fundraisers.
  • During the school year, practices are held 3 times per week in the evening during both the fall and spring semesters.
  • Along with practices, Cheer Team members are required to work out with the Strength and Conditioning trainer 2 times per week.
  • Squad members will have the opportunity to cheer at WMU football, men's and women's basketball, gymnastics meets and volleyball matches.
  • Squad members also make public appearances and perform many tasks for the WMU Athletic Department and the University.
  • Due to the athletic schedules, Cheer Team members are required to perform on Christmas Break and Spring Break.
  • Cheer team members are awarded varsity letter jackets after the successful completion of FOUR full semesters.
Who is eligible to tryout?
  • Full-time WMU students in good academic standing
  • High school seniors with provisional admission
  • Undergraduate transfer students with provisional admission
  • For an admissions application, please contact the Office of Admissions at (269) 387-2000.
Does the squad compete?
  • YES
  • WMU placed 8th in the Division 1 Small Co-ed Division at UCA College Nationals in 2017, 9th place in 2018, and 9th in 2019.
  • Previous competitions: 2000 UCA College Regional Cheerleading Competition in Evanston, Illinois & 2002 UCA College National Cheerleading Competition in Orlando, Florida
Are scholarships available?
  • No, cheer team members do not receive financial benefits.
  • The WMU Athletics Department does pay for all expenses directly associated with uniforms and athletic attire, as well as cheerleading travel expenses.
Does the team travel to away games?
  • Yes. We travel to selected away football games and post-season tournaments for both men’s and women’s basketball.
Does WMU have an All-Girl Squad?
  • Yes, we have both Coed and All-Girl Cheer Teams at WMU.
What partner stunting and tumbling skills will I need for tryouts?
  • Please visit the tryout page for information regarding tryouts and requirements.
What if I have never co-ed partner stunted before?
  • Consider attending our partner stunting clinics. The dates of the clinics are also posted on our website. Our partner stunting clinics and pre-tryout clinics are designed to teach partner stunting for those who lack experience.
What if I cannot tumble?
  • Members of our squad tend to have at least a handspring. Some have standing tucks, and tumbling passes vary. If you do not have tumbling or just learning, please still consider trying out. Motions, sideline cheering, partner stunting, and tumbling are important However, we look for the overall best cheerleaders, not just the best tumblers.

Additional questions may be referred to: Courtney Michalka - Head Coach - Email: WMU-Cheer@wmich.edu
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