Aiming High: A Comprehensive Guide to UCLA Cheerleading Squad Tryouts

The UCLA Spirit Squad represents the university at athletic events and campus activities, embodying school spirit and tradition. For those aspiring to join this esteemed group, understanding the tryout process is crucial. This article provides a detailed overview of what to expect, drawing upon insights from experienced coaches and squad members.

Understanding the UCLA Spirit Squad

The UCLA Spirit Squad, directed by Angela since December 2018, plays a vital role in cultivating campus partnerships, promoting student leadership, and managing performances at athletic and campus-wide events. Angela's extensive background within UCLA, including 14 years in Alumni Affairs, has equipped her with a deep understanding of the university's traditions and values. Her previous roles involved planning large-scale events like Dinners for 12 Strangers, Spring Sing, and the Beat ’SC Bonfire & Rally. More recently, her focus shifted to career development, expanding career programming and resources for Bruins.

Optional Introductory Meetings

For individuals interested in learning more about SU Cheer, the squad's operations, and the expectations of its members, optional meetings are held. These meetings provide a valuable opportunity to gain insights into the program.

Tryout Preparation Sessions

To help prospective cheerleaders prepare for the final tryout, sessions are conducted each evening in the Connolly Center North Court. During these sessions, coaches introduce material that will be performed during the final tryout, ensuring that candidates are well-prepared.

Tryout Format and Eligibility

Both men and women are welcome to attend the tryouts. Video tryouts are an option for out-of-town candidates, those traveling abroad during spring quarter, and those with special permission from the SU Cheer coaching staff.

Coaching Staff Expertise

The UCLA Cheer Squad benefits from a diverse and experienced coaching staff:

Conner: As the Head Coach, Conner brings a wealth of experience. He grew up in Northern California but currently resides in West Hollywood. He attended California State University, Long Beach where he was a Communication Studies major, cheerleader and member of the Sigma Pi Fraternity. Conner is currently the Director of Curriculum for the United Spirit Association, a Varsity brand.
Perla: Perla was born and raised in Los Angeles, California. She attended Downey High School, where she won two USA National titles, coached by Conner. After high school, Perla moved to Northern California to attend San Francisco State University where she majored in Communicative Disorders, with a minor in Special Education. During her time in San Francisco, she was a member of SFSU’s cheerleading team, where she competed at NCA and UCA College Nationals. Perla recently attended Pepperdine University, receiving her masters in Clinical Psychology. She is currently working as an associate therapist, providing psychotherapy to clients. She is currently cheering on OC All Star’s Coed Level 7 team, Shadow.
Lizzy: Lizzy grew up training and dancing competitively in the Bay Area. She went on to become a member and captain of the Cal Dance Team at UC Berkeley while earning her undergraduate degree in Psychology. Upon graduation, she returned as an Assistant Coach and later as the Head Coach of the Cal Dance Team. She also dances professionally and was a 3x member of the Golden State Warriors Dance Team. Lizzy relocated to Los Angeles to pursue her doctoral degree in Physical Therapy at the University of Southern California. As a licensed physical therapist, she is able to combine her passions and experience to treat dancers and other performing artists.

Required Elements

The specific required elements for the tryouts are crucial for candidates to focus on during their preparation. The details of "Required Elements" are not specified in the source text.

Expectations of Squad Members

Members of the UCLA Spirit Squad are expected to attend all home men's and women's basketball games, select volleyball and baseball games, and various community and university events.

Video Tryouts

Video tryouts are an option for out-of-town candidates, those traveling abroad during spring quarter, and those with special permission from the SU Cheer coaching staff.

Qualities Sought in Candidates

Head Coach Martin is seeking friendly, coachable and dedicated athletes to represent LMU as ambassadors of the Spirit program.

Read also: Navigating Tech Breadth at UCLA

Skill Recommendations for Cheer Team

If you are trying out for the cheer team, it is recommended you have your back handspring and progressing to a back tuck. Flyers are expected to execute all single leg stunts. Bases and Backspots must be able to base and backspot these skills at a minimum. More advanced tumbling and stunting skills will be required for the competitive cheer team. As well, more elite skills of dance will be required for the competitive dance team. Please see packet for more details.

Read also: Understanding UCLA Counselors

tags: #UCLA #head #cheerleader #tryouts