How to Join the Berkeley Cheerleading Team

If you’ve ever been to a UC Berkeley football or basketball game, you know the energy in the stadium is electric. But have you ever stopped to wonder where that energy comes from? Beyond the roar of the crowd and the marching band, one group stands at the heart of the excitement: the Berkeley cheerleading team. For decades, they’ve embodied the Golden Bear spirit, inspiring fans and supporting athletes with enthusiasm, athleticism, and pride.

If you’re considering joining, you might be asking yourself: Does UC Berkeley have a cheer team? The answer is yes—and this guide will show you exactly how it works. From the UC Berkeley cheer requirements to what daily life on the team looks like, you’ll discover everything you need to decide if this spirited squad is the right place for you.

• Does UC Berkeley Have a Cheer Team?
• What Are the UC Berkeley Cheer Requirements?
• The Audition Experience
• Life on the Berkeley Cheerleading Team
• Why Join the Berkeley Cheerleading Team?
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Takeaways

Does UC Berkeley Have a Cheer Team?

Yes! The Berkeley cheerleading team, also called Cal Cheer, is one of the most visible spirit groups on campus. Functioning under Cal Spirit, the program is led by a head coach, assistant coaches, and advisors from Cal Athletics. Cheerleaders perform at football and basketball games, pep rallies, alumni gatherings, and community events across the Bay Area.

What makes Cal Cheer unique is its dual identity: members are both athletes and ambassadors. They stunt, tumble, and perform crisp fight-song routines while also serving as role models for fellow students and representatives of the university in public.

Every time the Golden Bears take the field or court, Cal Cheer is there—supporting athletes, energizing fans, and carrying forward Berkeley’s traditions.

What Are the UC Berkeley Cheer Requirements?

Becoming part of the Berkeley cheerleading team is competitive and requires dedication. If you’re considering tryouts, you’ll need to understand the UC Berkeley cheer requirements in academics, athletics, and conduct.

Academic standards and eligibility

The Berkeley cheerleading program emphasizes academics as a top priority. To remain eligible, members must:

• Be a registered UC Berkeley student (or have an official letter of acceptance).
• Maintain at least a 2.0 GPA each semester.
• Enroll in 13 units per semester, unless special approval is granted.
• Submit class schedules, transcripts, and monthly academic reports to coaches.

The program also recognizes academic excellence through the Smarty Bear Award, given monthly to members who excel in their coursework. The top academic performer of the season becomes eligible for end-of-year awards and Cal Spirit scholarships.

Athletic and performance standards

At tryouts, expect to be evaluated on:

• Cheer routines. You’ll perform classic Cal material like “Big C.”
• Tumbling. A standing back handspring is strongly encouraged.
• Stunting. Male candidates are expected to bring co-ed partner stunting experience.
• Showmanship. Judges assess energy, sharp motions, and ability to lead a crowd.

Performance expectations don’t end at tryouts. Throughout the season, cheerleaders are required to master fight songs, band dances, and halftime routines with flawless precision. Members are evaluated regularly, and consistent attendance and performance are required to remain active.

Application process

Tryouts are typically held in the spring for the upcoming academic year. Candidates must complete and submit:

• A personal photo
• Resume
• Unofficial transcripts
• Letter of acceptance (for incoming students)
• Doctor’s clearance or physical exam

You’ll also sign agreements covering the Code of Conduct, Travel Policies, and Strike System. These outline expectations and consequences for attendance, behavior, and performance.

Time commitments

Cheerleading is a year-round commitment. Practices are typically held twice a week in the evenings, with additional sessions before major games or rallies. Beyond practice, you’ll perform at:

• All home football games
• Men’s and women’s basketball games
• Noon rallies and spirit events
• Community and alumni appearances

Expect to dedicate time during Winter Break and Spring Break as well, since the basketball season runs through those holidays. This level of commitment requires strong time management skills, but the reward is unforgettable experiences on and off the field.

The Audition Experience

The audition process for the Berkeley cheerleading team is a full-day commitment. While exact dates vary year to year, tryouts are generally held in late April. After filling out the audition form, here’s what the process typically looks like:

• Morning introductions and warm-ups. Candidates meet the coaches, captains, and advisors before learning tryout material.
• Round 1 performances. Groups perform cheers and chants. Cuts are made before lunch.
• Round 2 performances. Remaining candidates perform stunts, tumbling, and routines.
• Interviews: Coaches and advisors conduct brief interviews to assess leadership, personality, and commitment.
• Final selections. At the end of the day, the new team roster is posted.

Audition attire is specific: a white top, black shorts, white socks and shoes, and for women, a white bow or ribbon, along with game-day makeup. Men are expected to be clean-shaven with no jewelry. This attention to detail reinforces professionalism and readiness for performance.

Life on the Berkeley Cheerleading Team

Once selected, life as a member of the Berkeley cheerleading team is both demanding and rewarding. The commitment extends beyond practice and game days: it becomes a year-round responsibility that shapes your identity as a student-athlete, ambassador, and leader.

From practices and game-day responsibilities to conduct expectations and leadership roles, every aspect of life on the team is designed to build discipline and spirit.

Practice and conditioning

Practices are at the core of the cheer experience. Members of the Berkeley cheerleading team meet twice a week—typically on Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 7–10 p.m. at the High Performance Center. These sessions are structured, intense, and essential for mastering routines and maintaining athletic readiness:

• Practices focus on stunting, tumbling, fight songs, conditioning, and team unity, ensuring everyone stays sharp and performance-ready.
• Extra practices are often scheduled before major games or rallies, underscoring the team’s commitment to excellence.

In late July, all members attend summer camp, a week-long training and bonding session that kicks off the season. By demanding consistency and accountability, the practice schedule not only prepares you for performance but also builds habits that carry over into academics and personal growth.

Game-day responsibilities

Game days are where all the preparation comes to life. As a member of the Berkeley cheerleading team, you’ll play a central role in energizing fans, supporting athletes, and keeping traditions alive.

Beyond football and basketball, cheerleaders support volleyball, alumni gatherings, and community events. This year-round schedule highlights just how central the Berkeley cheerleading team is to campus and alumni life.

Conduct and expectations

Being a Cal Cheerleader represents the university with pride. Members are held to high standards of professionalism both on and off the field:

• Cheerleaders are expected to maintain a polished appearance in uniform, including regulated hairstyles, natural makeup, and coordinated attire.
• They must follow a strict no-smoking, no-drinking, and no-drug policy while representing the team.
• The program enforces a zero-tolerance policy for hazing and discrimination, ensuring an inclusive and supportive environment.
• Social media use is monitored, and members are expected to represent Berkeley positively online.

Attendance is equally critical. Missing more than three games without an approved excuse can lead to dismissal, and missing practices before a performance may disqualify you from participating. These expectations emphasize the program’s professional approach to cheerleading.

Leadership roles

Leadership opportunities are another defining part of life on the Berkeley cheerleading team. Returning members may run for captaincy, serving as liaisons between the coach, advisors, and team. Captains take on responsibilities such as:

• Polishing routines and raising squad skill levels.
• Maintaining team morale and unity.
• Reinforcing conduct and performance standards.

By giving upperclassmen the chance to lead, the program ensures continuity, mentorship, and accountability. These roles also prepare students for leadership beyond cheer, making the experience a valuable foundation for future careers.

Why Join the Berkeley Cheerleading Team?

Joining the Berkeley cheerleading team is about becoming part of a family, continuing a long tradition, and representing one of the world’s most prestigious universities in front of thousands of fans. For many students, the decision to try out transforms their entire college experience, giving them a platform to grow, lead, and connect with the Berkeley community.

School spirit

As a member of the Berkeley cheerleading team, you’ll be the face of Golden Bear pride, along with Oski, the mascot. From the moment you step into Memorial Stadium or Haas Pavilion, you become a leader in building energy and excitement. You’ll lead chants, perform fight songs with the band, and bring the crowd to life during some of Berkeley’s biggest moments.

More than just encouraging the athletes, you’re inspiring thousands of fans—students, alumni, and families—to rally together and feel the pride of Bear Territory. Few UC Berkeley extracurriculars give you that kind of direct impact on the entire campus community.

Personal growth

Extracurricular activities are also beneficial for academic improvement. Cheerleading at Cal is about developing discipline, time management, and leadership skills. With mandatory practices, demanding game-day schedules, and strict academic requirements, you’ll quickly develop the ability to balance multiple responsibilities.

Serving as a role model in the Berkeley community also challenges you to represent yourself with professionalism and confidence. Many former cheerleaders point to their time on the squad as the moment they learned to manage stress, lead peers, and carry themselves with poise—skills that extend far beyond the sidelines.

Athletic development

The Berkeley cheerleading team also pushes you to grow physically. Cheerleaders are true athletes, performing stunts, tumbling passes, and complex routines with precision. Practices focus on strength training, conditioning, flexibility, and technique to ensure every routine looks effortless on game day.

Whether you come in with years of cheer experience or you’re newer to the sport, the program is designed to help you improve your athletic performance and develop advanced skills. By the end of the season, you’ll not only be sharper as a performer but stronger and fitter as an athlete.

Community

Perhaps one of the most rewarding aspects of Cal Cheer is the sense of community. The bonds you form with your teammates last long after graduation. From celebrating victories together to supporting each other during finals, you’ll find that the squad becomes your second family.

The shared experiences—traveling to games, performing at rallies, and training late into the night—create friendships built on trust and commitment. Alumni often look back on their time with the Berkeley cheerleading team as one of the most defining parts of their college journey because of the lifelong connections they made.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do cheerleaders receive scholarships at UC Berkeley?

No, cheerleading at UC Berkeley is not considered an NCAA sport, so members do not receive athletic scholarships. However, the program provides resources, academic support, and recognition for team members.

2. How competitive are Berkeley cheerleading tryouts?

Tryouts are competitive but inclusive. While skills like tumbling and stunting give you an advantage, judges also look for spirit, teamwork, and growth potential.

3. Can graduate students try out?

Yes, as long as you’re a registered UC Berkeley student, graduate students are eligible to participate.

4. How do cheerleaders balance academics with team commitments?

Time management is key. The program emphasizes academics, with required progress reports and recognition for academic excellence.

Takeaways

• Meeting the UC Berkeley cheer requirements involves balancing academics, athletics, and leadership responsibilities.
• Cheerleaders perform at major sporting events, campus rallies, and community appearances year-round.
• Being on the team means becoming a leader, upholding traditions, and growing both personally and academically.
• If you’re looking for an unforgettable college experience, the Berkeley cheerleading team offers it in every way.
• Looking to balance your academics with competitive extracurriculars like cheerleading? Our Academic and Extracurricular Profile Evaluation can help you build a standout profile for college success.