Qualifications, requirements, application, and release forms are all included. Please read thoroughly before submitting required paperwork.
Be prepared to cheer at all JU Basketball Games, Tournaments and select JU Volleyball games. Cheerleaders are expected to be prepared to perform at Jacksonville University events including alumni activities, pre-game performances, and campus events. Perform for charitable organizations, local schools, and spirit events. Promote spirit and support all JU athletic teams.
Cheerleaders are required to attend NCA College Summer Camp held in Orlando, FL (this is a cost to each cheerleader). Cheerleaders are required to attend and compete in the NCA College Nationals held in Daytona Beach, FL. You will have support of the Athletic Department including athletic trainers, academic advisors, and the intercollegiate athlete's organization.
Before Tryouts, please be aware of the following:
- All cheerleaders must be available to be in Jacksonville at least one week prior to college camp, beginning July 20, 2025. Cheerleaders will check into university housing accommodations during our week-long conditioning.
- NCA/NDA College Cheer & Dance Camp will be held July 26 - 28, 2025 in Daytona Beach, FL @ Hilton Daytona Beach Resort/Ocean Walk Village - $430 expected cost, per athlete
- Cheerleaders may return home after camp till the start of Fall classes, August 18, 2025
Submit the following documents, in order, to be officially registered for tryouts:
TRYOUT SCHEDULE & REQUIREMENTS
Tryouts are CLOSED to the public.
Schedule:
April 24
4:45pm – 5:30pm Registration
6:30pm – 9:30pm Conditioning/Clinic
April 26
9:00am - 4:00pm
April 27
9:00am - 12:00pm
*
There will be a mandatory New Member Meeting following announcement*
TRYOUT ATTIRE
- Black Shorts & Black Tank Top OR Black Sports Bra (solid)
- NO embellishments on tops or bottoms- SOLID ONLY
- Tennis Shoes or Cheer Shoes.
- Hair pulled back in half up/half down with a white bow; bangs must be pulled back.
- Full gameday make-up with red lipstick
- No jewelry should be worn in ears, nose, mouth or belly
- Tattoos should be covered with a sleeve or makeup
- Males: Please wear black athletic shorts, a plain white t-shirt
- Head Shot: When the tryout application is emailed, please include a quality head shot. These may be posted on our social media when the new team is announced. These should be emailed along with your application to cnorris12@ju.edu. All pictures should be sent in a .jpg format.
GENERAL INFORMATION
The primary purpose of the Jacksonville University Cheerleading Team is to provide support for intercollegiate athletics and Jacksonville University. That support is directed into three major areas, as follows:
(1) to lead the cheers; to raise the level of fan support for intercollegiate athletics; to lead in positive vocal support for the team; to solicit that support from Dolphin fans and to project that support to the University and its teams.
(2) to participate in the athletic activity known as cheerleading by performing gymnastics, partner stunts, motions, pyramids, dance movements; to perfect this athletic activity for the sole purpose of keeping the crowd's attention/direction focused on the field/floor, where the intercollegiate activity is taking place, and for entertainment purposes; and
(3) to serve as public relations ambassadors of intercollegiate athletics and Jacksonville University; to uphold, reflect and project the goals and ideals of the University; to appear at university activities, functions, and programs to promote intercollegiate athletics and the University. Each applicant will be evaluated on the following:
Skill Evaluation
Tryout Routines: Fight Song and Sideline Cheer and Dance
(Collegiate Image, Technique and Execution, Performance Ability, Overall Impression, Memory)
Jumps: Toe-Touch/Triple Jump sequence/Toe-Touch/Tuck
Tumbling: Candidates will perform (3) tumbling passes standing or running. Tumbling passes can be your choice of any combination. Your choice of tumbling or acro passes. i.e. (Aerial, Standing Back Handspring, Round-off Back Handspring, Standing Tuck Round-off Back Handspring Back tuck, layout or full twist. Must be able to perform most tumbling on a wooden floor surface without a spot - cheer mat will be provided).
Stunting: Canidates
will be asked to perform three stunts for whichever position they are experienced - lib variation, toss and twisting skills with clean dismount variety. Candidates may choose individual or combination stunts and stunt groups
SCHOLARSHIPS
The Athletic Department provides Spirit - Cheer & Dance athletes with an athletic scholarship that is dispersed two times, within the season.
This scholarship is minimal and athletes in need of more financial support should contact the financial aid department and ensure that their FAFSA application is up to date.
For more information regarding the Jacksonville University Spirit Programs or tryouts for Jacksonville University teams please contact:
Jacksonville University Athletics
Attn: Christin Norris
Spirit Program Coordinator
2800 University Blvd. North
Jacksonville, FL 32211 Email: cnorris12@ju.edu
