Your Guide to Women’s College Cheerleading Recruiting

College cheerleading offers a wide range of opportunities, with programs at NCAA Division 1, Division 2, and Division 3 levels, as well as NAIA and junior colleges. However, since cheerleading is not an NCAA-sanctioned sport, student-athletes and coaches can begin the recruiting process at any point in high school. Successful recruits proactively get on a coach’s radar by researching colleges, creating a standout recruiting video, attending camps and clinics, and participating in college tryouts.

Finding Your College Cheer Fit

College cheer programs vary widely—some are competitive and travel to national championships, while others focus on supporting school athletics and events. There are all-girls and co-ed squads, JV and varsity teams, and programs with different levels of skill requirements. To increase their chances, recruits should target schools where their skills in tumbling, stunts, and jumps align with team expectations.

Beyond athletics, coaches seek recruits with strong academic backgrounds, often awarding scholarships based on GPA. In some cases, the cheerleader with the highest GPA on the team receives additional scholarship funding.

This guide will help you identify the best college cheerleading fit and give you the tools to connect with coaches, ensuring a smooth path to a college cheerleading career.

Cheerleading Recruiting Guidelines: What Coaches Look for in Athletes

Each program has unique requirements, but competitive programs that compete nationally expect advanced skills in tumbling, stunts, jumps, dance, and cheer. Less competitive programs may prioritize strong fundamentals, with a focus on building skills over time. Explore the essential skills and requirements for different college cheer teams.

Cheerleading Scholarships: What You Need to Know

Since cheerleading isn’t an NCAA-sanctioned sport, scholarships are generally limited and vary by program. Competitive programs tend to have more funding and offer scholarships to recruits with advanced skills and strong academic records. Learn more about cheerleading scholarships and how to maximize your chances.

How to Get Recruited for College Cheer

The college cheer recruiting process differs from NCAA sports; coaches and athletes can connect at any stage. Underclassmen can send recruiting videos and get feedback early on. Coaches discover recruits through videos, college clinics, cheer clubs, and tryouts. To get noticed, athletes should be proactive and reach out to coaches. Find out how to navigate the college cheer recruiting process.

Creating a Cheerleading Recruiting Video

A strong recruiting video is essential, as coaches rely on these videos to make initial evaluations. Many top programs require recruits to submit a video showcasing specific skills before tryouts, including detailed requirements on content and presentation. Learn the steps to creating a cheerleading video that will stand out to coaches.

College Cheerleading Camps and Clinics

College cheerleading camps offer squads the chance to learn new skills, receive personalized training, and elevate their routines. Camps are available through organizations like the Universal Cheerleaders Association (UCA) and the National Cheerleaders Association (NCA). Clinics at competitive colleges are often crucial, as they teach recruits the skills and routines specific to the school’s tryouts. Explore the best college cheerleading camps and clinics.

Complete List of Colleges with Cheerleading Programs

With over 250 colleges offering cheerleading at NCAA, NAIA, and junior college levels, each program provides a unique experience. Some are competitive, while others are more focused on supporting campus events. To create a list of target schools, recruits should consider factors such as competition level, the style of the team, and whether they prefer an all-girls or co-ed squad. See the full list of cheerleading colleges by division level.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is cheerleading a sport?
Yes, cheerleading is a sport, though it is not currently sanctioned by the NCAA. Consequently, cheer scholarships are often limited due to funding constraints.

This guide will help you take the first steps in your college cheerleading journey, find the best program for you, and approach the recruiting process with confidence.