UCLA Spirit Squad: Requirements, Tryouts, and What to Expect

At UCLA games, the UCLA Spirit Squad is the energy on the sidelines. They lead the eight-clap, throw stunts, and keep fans loud until the last play. Despite the name, getting on that team requires more than just spirit.

Every spring, dozens of students try out, but only a few earn a spot. To have a real chance, you need to meet the UCLA cheer requirements, know what the audition looks like, and walk in wearing the right UCLA cheerleader outfit.

This guide lays out the process step by step so you know exactly how to prepare for the UCLA Spirit Squad. By the end, you’ll be ready to give those tryouts your all.

• Requirements for the UCLA Spirit Squad
• Benefits of Being a UCLA Cheerleader
• UCLA Preparatory Audition Clinics
• UCLA Spirit Squad Audition Process: What to Expect
• Time Commitments and Life on the UCLA Spirit Squad
• Tips for Getting into the UCLA Spirit Squad
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Takeaways

Requirements for the UCLA Spirit Squad

Here are the essentials before you even think about tryouts:

• Enrollment. You must be admitted to UCLA or already a full-time student. Graduate and part-time students can audition too.
• GPA & Standing. Minimum 2.5 GPA. You can’t be on disciplinary probation.
• Fitness. You must be in shape for tumbling, jumps, and stunts. There are no height or weight limits, but you should be conditioned.
• Insurance. You must carry health or hospitalization insurance comparable to the minimum coverage offered through the University’s student insurance program.
• Re-audition. Every team member has to try out again each year.

These requirements are the foundation for every applicant. Once you check them off, you can focus on training, clinics, and preparing for auditions. Meeting the basics is step one, but the real challenge comes with showing your skills and spirit on tryout day.

Benefits of Being a UCLA Cheerleader

Being on the UCLA Spirit Squad comes with more than just the chance to perform. The program provides real perks that make the time commitment worthwhile.

Nike sponsorship and gear

As a member of the UCLA Spirit Squad, you’ll be fully outfitted in Nike. The squad provides warm-ups, workout gear, shoes, duffel bags, and backpacks. Beyond being perks, this gear makes sure every member looks consistent and professional at practices, games, and on the road.

Strength and conditioning support

The UCLA Spirit Squad offers formal strength training to help you handle the physical demands of stunts, tumbling, and long game days. This training improves performance while lowering the risk of injury.

Travel opportunities

Members travel to away Big Ten football games, postseason tournaments, and bowl games. That means performing in packed stadiums across the country, often in front of national television audiences.

Career preparation

UCLA Spirit Squad members take part in programs that build career skills like marketing, nutrition, media relations, resume development, and public speaking. This professional development is unique compared to most cheer programs.

Complimentary tickets and front-row access

You’ll receive free tickets to home football, basketball, and Olympic sports. On top of that, you’ll have front-row seats at every event you cheer for, whether it’s on the field at the Rose Bowl or on the court at Pauley Pavilion.

Performing on the biggest stages

Few college experiences compare to stepping onto the field or court in front of tens of thousands of fans. Performing in that environment is exhilarating and unforgettable, and it’s one of the most rewarding aspects of joining the UCLA Spirit Squad.

UCLA Preparatory Audition Clinics

Before official auditions, UCLA runs prep clinics to help candidates get ready. These sessions give you the chance to work directly with coaches, meet current squad members, and get a feel for what the program expects. You’ll go through drills, learn choreography, and receive feedback on your performance.

In 2025, the clinics were held at the John Wooden Center:

• Sunday, February 2 at 3 pm
• Sunday, April 13 at 1 pm for high school juniors and younger
• Sunday, April 13 at 3 pm for high school seniors, transfer students, and current UCLA students

The 2026 prep clinic dates will be announced in the fall.

If you want extra guidance, you can also request one-on-one feedback from coaches based on squad choreography. For more information or questions, email [email protected].

Recommended skills

The clinics are a way to show your athletic ability and build the foundation you’ll need for auditions. While there’s no official minimum, coaches look for certain skills that signal you’re ready for the level of performance expected on the squad:

• Men. Standing back tuck, toss chair and toss hands with a pop off dismount
• Female tops. standing back tuck, running pass to tuck, layout or full, ability to fly collegiate level stunts
• Female bases. Standing back tuck, running pass to tuck, layout or full, ability to base collegiate level stunts

It also helps to demonstrate clean jumps, sharp motion technique, and endurance. Auditions last several hours, and the ability to stay sharp and energetic matters just as much as landing a perfect skill.

Clinics are your chance to work on these elements in a supportive environment. The more you refine your tumbling, jumps, and stunts here, the more confident you’ll feel when the real audition day arrives.

UCLA Spirit Squad Audition Process: What to Expect

Auditions for the UCLA Spirit Squad usually take place in early May. For the 2025–26 team, tryouts were held on Sunday, May 4.

Candidates are encouraged to review squad choreography ahead of time through the team’s YouTube channel. You can contact [email protected] with questions.

If you absolutely cannot make it to campus, video auditions are allowed. Still, it is strongly recommended that you attend in person because live auditions give coaches the best chance to see your energy, timing, and ability to work with a team.

Step-by-step audition day timeline

Here’s how the day is typically structured:

1. Check-in and warm-up

Candidates arrive at the audition site, sign in, and get assigned a number. There is time to stretch, warm up tumbling, and meet other applicants.

2. Material review

The squad teaches or reviews the UCLA Fight Song choreography and, for female candidates, the sideline routine. You’ll run through the material multiple times before evaluation begins.

3. Fight Song evaluation

All candidates perform the Fight Song in groups. Judges look for sharp motions, timing, spirit, and crowd leadership.

4. Sideline routine

Female applicants perform the short sideline filler. This shows how you’d look courtside or fieldside in real game conditions.

5. Tumbling rotations

Each candidate has the chance to demonstrate their best tumbling passes. Clean execution matters more than difficulty, but advanced skills like layouts or standing tucks stand out.

6. Stunting evaluation

Men are partnered with flyers for coed stunts, while women may be placed into coed or all-girl stunt groups depending on their position. Coaches value candidates who are versatile and can handle multiple stunt roles.

7. Game-day simulation

Candidates may be grouped into “game scenarios” where they perform cheers or stunts as if they were live at the Rose Bowl or Pauley Pavilion. This can include tuck roll-offs, free stunting, sideline filler, or short timeout performances.

8. Interview round

Each candidate gives a short personal statement (up to 45 seconds) on why they want to join the squad. Afterward, small groups answer a few questions in an interview setting. Judges are looking for poise, enthusiasm, and communication skills.

9. Final deliberation and results

Judges review performance notes, skill levels, and interview impressions. Results are typically shared that evening via email.

What to wear for audition clinics and audition day

Appearance is part of the evaluation, so candidates must follow specific attire rules.

Women:

• Sports bra and spandex shorts
• White athletic shoes with laces tucked in (stunt-ready)
• Hair styled down and out of the face (no ponytails)
• Stage/game-ready/TV-ready make-up
• Appropriate bras or sport bras and bloomers/briefs
• No jewelry, body piercings, or visible tattoos (must be covered)
• No ribbons, bows, food, or gum
• Presentation should be clean, mature, and collegiate

Men:

• Blue or black shorts
• Clean T-shirt
• Small ankle socks
• White athletic shoes with laces tucked in (removed during gymnastics portion)
• Short, clean haircut
• No jewelry, body piercings, or visible tattoos (must be covered)
• No food or gum
• Presentation should be clean, mature, and collegiate

These rules form your unofficial UCLA cheerleader outfit for auditions. Following them shows you’re detail-oriented and ready to represent the program.

Time Commitments and Life on the UCLA Spirit Squad

Joining the UCLA Spirit Squad is a big commitment. Once you make the team, your schedule quickly fills with practices, workouts, games, and appearances. Here’s what life on the squad actually looks like.

Spring and summer

After auditions in May, the new team jumps right into practices. During spring quarter, expect two to three practices per week at night, where you’ll drill tumbling, partner stunts, and game material.

July is your one break, but in August the entire squad is required to attend Skills Training Camp, an intensive week that prepares you for football season.

Rehearsals during the school year

Once fall quarter starts, practices continue two to three days per week. On top of that, each member is required to complete two additional workouts on their own, often focusing on TRX, cardio, and conditioning. Team rehearsals involve reviewing game-day choreography, cleaning routines, and building new material for upcoming events.

This rhythm means you’ll balance academics with a structured training schedule. Time management becomes critical, especially during football and basketball season when game days can run late.

Performances

The UCLA Spirit Squad’s main role is to represent UCLA at games and events, and that calendar is full. Members perform at:

• All home football games and select away games, including major road trips
• All home basketball games for both men’s and women’s teams, plus select away tournaments
• Campus events such as Bruin Day, Volunteer Day, class visits, grand openings, and recognition ceremonies
• Alumni gatherings like seasonal kick-offs, scholarship dinners, and celebrations
• Media events, including TV promotions, sponsorship shoots, commercials, and photo sessions
• Community outreach appearances at schools, youth programs, and civic events
• Special events such as weddings, birthday parties, or bar/bat mitzvahs where the squad is invited to perform

Being part of the UCLA Spirit Squad is like taking on another class or part-time job. Between practices, workouts, travel, and appearances, you’ll put in hours each week on top of your studies. 

But the reward is huge: you’ll represent the university at high-profile events, gain leadership and performance experience, and build strong friendships with teammates who share the same passion.

Tips for Getting into the UCLA Spirit Squad

Breaking into UCLA cheerleading is competitive, but the right preparation makes all the difference. These tips combine the key areas judges focus on with practical steps you can take to boost your chances.

1. Train your tumbling skills year-round.

Strong tumbling is one of the clearest ways to stand out. Coaches want athletes who can handle high-energy performances.

• Aim for clean standing tucks, layouts, and running passes
• Work with a gymnastics coach months before auditions
• Prioritize consistency and execution over difficulty
• Record yourself to check form and technique

Tumbling shows both athleticism and performance readiness, so even small improvements can make a big difference.

2. Master sharp, game-day motions.

Your motions should look crisp, powerful, and easy for the crowd to follow.

• Practice the UCLA Fight Song until you can perform it with precision
• Use mirrors or video to check arm angles and sharpness
• Focus on strong facials and energy throughout the routine
• Keep motions big enough to read from the back of the arena

Sharp motions set the tone of your performance and prove you can lead thousands of fans.

3. Build stunting versatility.

The squad values athletes who can adapt to different stunt roles.

• Flyers: work on liberties, stretches, scales, and steady body control
• Bases: focus on timing, strength, and stable grips
• Switch roles in practice when possible to improve adaptability
• Show confidence in both coed and all-girl stunt groups

Versatility makes you harder to cut, since you can fill multiple roles during performances.

4. Keep your academics in order.

Your performance in the classroom is just as important as your skills on the mat. To stay eligible for the UCLA Spirit Squad, you need to maintain at least a 2.5 GPA as required by the program.

Balancing study time with practices and workouts is essential so that academics do not fall behind. You must also remain in good standing with the university, since disciplinary issues can disqualify you from the team.

Most importantly, avoid putting yourself at risk of academic probation, as it could jeopardize your spot on the squad.

Coaches want reliable student-athletes who can handle the workload of the UCLA Spirit Squad without slipping academically.

5. Use the prep clinics to your advantage.

Clinics are designed to prepare you, but they also double as informal auditions.

• Attend every clinic you can before tryouts
• Learn choreography early and polish it at home
• Ask questions and take notes for improvement
• Network with coaches and current squad members

Showing initiative at clinics proves you’re serious and committed.

6. Focus on fitness and conditioning.

Cheerleading requires endurance, strength, and flexibility, so your training should cover all three.

Cardio helps you handle the demands of long game days, while TRX, weight training, and core work build strength for stunts and tumbling. Daily stretching improves flexibility and reduces the risk of injury. Balancing strength with agility is just as important, since safe and effective stunts depend on both.

Conditioning keeps you performing at your best, especially when practices and games pile up.

7. Perfect your audition outfit and look.

Appearance counts, so follow the audition attire rules carefully.

• Women: sports bra, spandex shorts, white athletic shoes, hair styled down
• Men: fitted shorts, clean T-shirt, white athletic shoes, short haircut
• No jewelry, body piercings, or visible tattoos
• Keep your presentation clean, polished, and collegiate

Your tryout look forms a first impression, so make it professional and sharp.

8. Prepare for the interview round.

More than just athletic ability, the interview measures communication and poise.

• Draft and practice a 45-second personal statement
• Be ready to answer questions in a group setting
• Show enthusiasm for UCLA and Bruin spirit
• Listen carefully to others and respond confidently

Interviews help coaches identify leaders who can represent the program in public.

9. Learn the UCLA Fight Song early.

The Fight Song is at the center of auditions and game-day traditions.

• Watch and study performance videos online
• Memorize both motions and timing
• Practice until it feels natural and confident
• Perform with energy that matches the game-day atmosphere

Coming in with the Fight Song ready frees you to focus more on tumbling, stunts, and interviews.

10. Stay positive and coachable.

Coaches look for athletes who can handle pressure and adapt quickly.

• Accept feedback without excuses and adjust immediately
• Encourage other candidates instead of competing negatively
• Stay composed if you make a mistake during tryouts
• Show that you’re easy to work with on and off the mat

A positive, coachable attitude often separates the athletes who make the cut from those who don’t.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the UCLA cheer requirements for tryouts?

To be eligible, you must be a full-time UCLA student (or incoming admit), maintain at least a 2.5 GPA, and stay in good academic standing. You also need proof of health or hospitalization insurance that meets the university’s coverage standards. Fitness is important too, since tumbling, stunts, and jumps demand strong conditioning.

2. What does the UCLA cheerleader outfit for auditions look like?

For women, the required outfit is a sports bra, spandex shorts, white athletic shoes with laces tucked in, and hair styled down. For men, it’s blue or black shorts, a clean T-shirt, white athletic shoes, and a neat haircut. No jewelry, visible tattoos, or accessories like bows are allowed. Keeping a clean and collegiate appearance is part of the evaluation.

3. How hard is it to make the UCLA Spirit Squad?

Trying out for the UCLA Spirit Squad is highly competitive, with dozens of candidates auditioning each year and only a small group selected. Judges evaluate tumbling, stunts, motions, spirit, and interviews. Strong skills help, but attitude and coachability are just as important. Preparing early and attending prep clinics improves your chances.

4. Do UCLA cheerleaders travel with the teams?

Yes. UCLA Spirit Squad members travel to select away football games, bowl games, and postseason basketball tournaments. They also perform at alumni events, community appearances, and media promotions. Travel opportunities are one of the biggest perks of being on the UCLA Spirit Squad.

5. How much time does being on the UCLA Spirit Squad take during the year?

The time commitment is significant. Practices run two to three times per week, plus additional workouts you must complete on your own. During football and basketball season, you’ll spend weekends at games and many evenings at rehearsals. On top of that, UCLA cheerleaders attend events year-round, including alumni functions and community appearances.

Takeaways

To get into the UCLA Spirit Squad, here are the key points to remember as you prepare:

• To be considered, you need to meet all UCLA cheer requirements, including being a full-time student, maintaining a 2.5 GPA, and carrying proper health insurance. Without these, you will not get through the first round.
• The UCLA Spirit Squad is about sharp motions, clean stunts, and energy that fills the arena. Judges want UCLA cheerleaders who can lead thousands of fans with confidence.
• Attending preparatory clinics, refining your tumbling, and showing up in the right UCLA cheerleader outfit signals to coaches that you are serious about the squad. The small details are noticed.
• Being a UCLA cheerleader means balancing academics, rehearsals, and performances at football, basketball, and community events. The reward is performing on some of the biggest stages in college sports.
• Want to become a UCLA cheerleader but worried about getting into UCLA? With expert guidance, a college admissions consultant can help you strengthen your application, highlight your achievements, and position yourself as a strong candidate for admission.