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University of Illinois Athletics

2025-26 Illinois cheer squad

2026–2027 Cheerleading Tryouts

Fighting Illini Cheerleading

The Fighting Illini Cheerleading Team includes both co-ed and all-girl stunt groups. We are seeking dedicated, athletic, and team-oriented individuals to represent Illinois during the 2026–2027 season.

Important Dates

  • Application Deadline: March 23, 2026

  • Finalist Notifications Sent By: April 6, 2026

  • Final In-Person Tryouts: Sunday, April 19, 2026

Attendance at the April 19 in-person tryout is mandatory.

Application Process

Step 1: Submit a Qualifying Video

All applicants must submit a qualifying video that meets the following requirements:

  • Wear navy blue shorts and an orange top

  • Keep the video under 4 minutes

  • Perform only skills you can consistently execute on a non-spring floor

  • Only include skills you can consistently and confidently perform

  • Be prepared to perform all submitted skills at the in-person tryout

Your video should clearly demonstrate your technical ability, strength, control, and overall performance quality.

What We’re Looking For

  • Strong technical fundamentals

  • Proficiency in co-ed or all-girl stunting

  • Confident performance quality

  • Collegiate-level athleticism

  • Positive attitude and commitment to team culture

Qualifying Video Requirements

Fighting Illini Cheerleading

Please follow the exact order outlined for your respective team when submitting your qualifying video.

WOMEN’S QUALIFYING VIDEO REQUIREMENTS

1. Spirit & Performance

  • First half of “Illinois Loyalty”

  • Sideline (as shown in the sample video)

2. Tumbling

All tumbling must be performed on a non-spring floor, mat, or surface.

Required skills:

  • Three consecutive standing back handsprings

  • Three consecutive standing back tucks

  • Three consecutive cartwheel tucks (Newly added skill for 2026–27)

  • Your most difficult tumbling pass

3. Stunts

You may submit up to four different stunts.

Co-Ed Requirements

  • Hands extension, liberty, or stretch

  • Showcase your highest level of:

    • Difficulty

    • Flexibility

    • Control

All-Girl Requirements

  • Clearly identify yourself within the stunt group

  • Demonstrate all positions you can perform:

    • Main base

    • Side base

    • Back spot

    • Flyer (if applicable)

  • Highlight your highest level of:

    • Difficulty

    • Flexibility

    • Versatility

4. Interview Question (Maximum 90 Seconds)

Illinois Cheerleading values a team-first culture built on trust and accountability. How do you respond when a coaching decision or assigned role differs from your expectations while still supporting your coaches, teammates, and the team’s success?

MEN’S QUALIFYING VIDEO REQUIREMENTS

Prior cheerleading, stunting, and tumbling experience is preferred — NOT required.

We are seeking strong, athletic individuals who are enthusiastic about Fighting Illini athletics and willing to learn and commit the time necessary to be a productive team member.

1. Spirit & Performance

  • First half of “Illinois Loyalty”

2. Interview Question (Maximum 90 Seconds)

Illinois Cheerleading values a team-first culture built on trust and accountability. How do you respond when a coaching decision or assigned role differs from your expectations while still supporting your coaches, teammates, and the team’s success?

3. Tumbling (Recommended)

  • Standing tuck

  • Best running tumbling pass

4. Stunts (Recommended)

You may submit up to four different stunts.

Suggested skills:

  • Chair

  • Hands extension

  • Liberty

  • Stretch

Stunts should showcase:

  • Strength

  • Control

  • Athleticism

  • Willingness to learn

Qualifying Video & Application Submission Instructions

STEP 1: Submit Your Video

  • Submit an electronic video via a private YouTube link.

  • Include your full name in the video title as:
     Last Name_First Name

  • Enter your YouTube link in your online application.

STEP 2: Complete & Gather All Required Paperwork

ALL paperwork listed below is required to participate in tryouts. These requirements are non-negotiable.

  1. Tryout video YouTube link

  2. Personal photo

  3. Proof of acceptance to or enrollment in the University of Illinois

  4. Signed Code of Conduct and Expectations Agreement from the 2026–2027 University of Illinois Cheerleading Rules & Policies | DOWNLOAD

  5. Incoming athlete pre-participation physical examination within the past six months (use the provided form) | DOWNLOAD

  6. Elective/Voluntary Activity Waiver | DOWNLOAD

  7. Copy of sickle cell results (non-negotiable)

  8. Copy of medical insurance card (front and back)

  9. Letter of Recommendation

    • Must be from a current or former coach

    • Outline your top athletic and academic achievements (leadership, sportsmanship, commitment, work ethic, responsibility)

    • Submitted directly via email from the recommender to Coach Stephanie Record at record1@illinois.edu.

NOTE: Forms require a parent/guardian signature if you are a minor. 

STEP 3: Apply Online

  • Complete your online application by March 23, 2026.

2026-27 CHEER TEAM APPLICATION 

Final Tryout Details – April 19

Location: HUFF HALL, 1206 S 4th St, Champaign, IL 61820

Material & Stunt Clinic

Sunday, April 19 | 10:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

  • Review sideline, fight song, and stunts:

    • Co-Ed: Walk-in torch, chair, extension, liberty, stretch

    • `All-Girl: Torch, extension, liberty, stretch, full-up, switch-up

  • Fight song (including lyrics) should be perfected prior to tryouts. The first half will be evaluated during tryouts.

Clinic & Tryouts

Sunday, April 19 | 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Tryout Requirements

Fight Song & Sideline

  • Demonstrate crowd appeal, projection, enthusiasm, and the ability to engage others

  • All candidates must know and sing the words to Illinois Loyalty

Stunts

Co-Ed:

  • Chair, hands extension, liberty, or stretch

  • Stretch with a full cradle

  • Walk-in extension or liberty

  • If unable to safely perform these, submit the most difficult stunts within your ability

All-Girl:

  • Extension, liberty, stretch, or arabesque with a cradle or twist cradle dismount

  • Advanced stunt (ex: switch-up, low-high, full-up)

  • If unable to safely perform all skills, submit skills within your ability

Tumbling

  • Standing back handspring

  • Standing back tuck

  • Cartwheel tuck

  • One tumbling pass

  • No spotters allowed

  • Perform only skills you can safely execute

Team Meeting

Sunday, April 19 | 6:30 p.m.