Becoming a Knight: A Comprehensive Guide to UCF Cheerleading Tryouts

The University of Central Florida (UCF) boasts a vibrant and spirited athletic program, and the cheerleading squad plays a vital role in fostering that atmosphere. From the sidelines to national competitions, the UCF cheerleaders represent the university with pride and skill. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the UCF cheerleading tryout process, the program's history, and what it means to be a Knight.

A Legacy of Spirit and Success

UCF's cheerleading program has a rich history, evolving from a student-led group to a nationally recognized team. Linda Gooch, a former UCF cheerleader and 2022 inductee into the UCF Athletics Hall of Fame, has been at the helm of the program for four decades. Her journey with UCF began as a student in 1979, when she was captivated by the co-ed cheerleading team's acrobatic stunts. As a gymnast, she found a natural fit and joined the team in the spring of 1980, cheering for four years.

In the early days, the cheerleading team was a very independent group, with captains running practices and the team driving themselves to games. By August of 1984, the university moved cheerleading to Athletics and hired Linda Gooch as a coach.

Under Gooch's leadership, the program has achieved significant milestones, including national championships in 2003 and 2007. In 2024, the Knights finished fifth in Division IA Hip Hop, marking the best result in program history. Gooch has witnessed the growth of UCF's athletic program firsthand, from early football and basketball games to the construction of new facilities and the university's rise to prominence in the Big 12 Conference.

Preparing for Tryouts

Aspiring UCF cheerleaders should be aware of the tryout requirements and preparation needed to make the team. UCF facilitates a number of camps/clinics each year (10 sessions across the calendar) for males and females from elementary school through high school. These sessions provide valuable training and insight into the program's expectations.

What to Bring

Candidates should bring the following items to tryouts:

Water bottle
Tryout form
Athletic wear
Socks
Shoes

The tryout will include evaluations of tumbling skills, jumps, and stunting abilities for flyers.

Tryout Dates and Procedures

NEW athletes to UCF will pick a slot to attend tryouts on May 16th AND come a second day on the level tumbling that they have. If you completed the 2020-2021 season with UCF you only need to attend 1 tryout date Monday-Thursday based on your tumbling level.Athletes that are 4-5 years old will pick a slot to come ONLY on Sunday May 16th.

Important Reminders

Athletes will wear a number at tryouts, so remembering that number is crucial.
The team roster will be announced via a YouTube link posted on the designated page by 8 pm on Monday, May 24th. The video will reveal team assignments, coaches, and practice schedules based on athlete numbers.
In order to tryout you must pay the tryout fee prior to your tryout day, fill out the release form, and registration forms.

Game Day Traditions and Spirit

Being a UCF cheerleader is more than just performing routines; it's about embodying the spirit and traditions of the university. Cheerleaders play a key role in creating an electric atmosphere at games and events.

Embracing the UCF Experience

Tailgating: Tailgating before Knights football games is a celebrated tradition, offering a time for reunions of family, friends, and alumni. Memory Mall is the most iconic tailgating spot.
Game Day Attire: Find out what to wear for specific games on social media.
The Acrisure Bounce House: Pack the Acrisure Bounce House to support the Knights!
SpaceU: A fan favorite since debuting in 2017, this matchup honors UCF’s origin story as SpaceU - founded to fuel our nation’s space program and help put humans on the moon.
Safety First: The UCF Police Department prioritizes campus safety, so report any suspicious activity.

Supporting UCF Athletics

The Charge On Fund provides unrestricted charitable support for UCF Athletics, helping to maintain the momentum built over the years.

Read also: Captivating Cheerleading Teams

Representing UCF on the National Stage

Beyond game day performances, the UCF cheerleading team competes in national competitions, showcasing their talent and dedication.

2025 UCA College Cheerleading National Championship

UCF will compete in the following events at the 2025 UCA College Cheerleading National Championship:

DIA Cheer Game Day semifinals on Jan.
DIA Jazz prelims on Jan.
Coed Partner Stunt (Eliza LaBelle & Austin Robert) on Jan.
DIA Cheer semifinals on Jan.
DIA Hip Hop semifinals on Jan.

The entire event is streaming on Varsity TV and the FloSports app beginning Jan. The always-live stream will feature all-access content and video replays hand-picked by experts on the Varsity TV team.

From Underdogs to National Recognition

UCF Knights have been building momentum on the field and the court since our athletic debut. And whether we were underdogs or the overwhelming favorites, you’ve been cheering us on every step of the way.

Read also: The Gator Cheerleaders

tags: #ucf #cheerleading #roster #tryouts