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You asked, and we listened. By popular demand, it’s an episode all about college cheer! And I got to talk to one of the best in the industry: The head coach of Texas Tech Cheer, Bruce Bills. Coach Bruce has been involved with this program for TWENTY. YEARS. He led the Tech coed team to their first large coed D1 Championship. He’s been named coach of the year by the College STUNT Association. He knows what he’s talkin’ about, and he was so gracious to spend some time with me. I took to our Facebook group and asked you all what you would ask a college coach. You had great questions, and coach Bruce answers all of them in this episode. Questions like, what does it take to be a college cheerleader? Are clinics required? Do athletes need to have a cheer social media account, and if you’re a girl, can you make the team if you’re not a flyer or tumbler? This episode is highly informative, and I know you’ll enjoy it!
Are scholarships available for college cheerleaders?
College cheer scholarships are a little complicated, mainly because of two things. It’s important to remember and accept that cheer is not a revenue producing group. We aren’t bringing in multi-million dollar TV contracts, which is where the scholarship funding comes from for big sports like football and basketball.
Cheer isn’t governed by the NCAA. There isn’t a set standard, so funding looks different for every college. It depends on how cheer is set up at your school. For example, Texas Tech Cheer is under student life and not athletics. Some programs fall under their marketing department.
You have to do your homework on what may or may not be available at your college of choice. More importantly, the athlete needs to be researching this.
Coach also says that it’s important to remember that you’re also a student. Get your degree! There aren’t a lot of full time cheer coaching jobs out there. At some point we’ve gotta hang up the poms and megs and move on to the next show. Coach Bruce’s advice? Think long term, beyond cheer!
What is the future of college cheer as a sport?
Coach believes that it will be tricky to get the NCAA involved in college cheer because again, not all college cheer teams are under athletics. There is also a lot of education still needed about cheer that NCAA officials do not know.
It’s important for college cheer teams to find their value within the university. Cheer was developed for game day. That’s when your administrators see you, that’s your time to shine and show them the value you bring.
How do you prepare to be a college cheerleader?
Of course, the earlier you start with your cheer skills, the better, but don’t let the athlete burn out. It’s easy to do that in our sport! High school is the key point to decide and seriously think about whether or not you want to be a college cheerleader.
Make connections at colleges, go to their clinics, and do your research so you can narrow down which college cheer program you might want to try out for. Ask yourself, “What college team or teams could I make at my current skill level? What type of squad do I need? Coed? All Girl?”
Remember: Not everyone is a flyer.
Everyone has their role on the cheer team. keep an open mind of acceptance about what your role as a college cheerleader may be. Manage your expectations, and always remember that attitude matters in the tryout process!
Multiple factors are being evaluated in the tryout and selection process, including the athlete’s skill, as well as what that particular squad’s needs are. You need to be open to being in other positions if you want to have what it takes to be a college cheerleader.
College coaches are watching reactions to new things, body language, and how willing you are to try new things.
How do you get noticed at a cheer clinic?
Be in the right position for YOU. Don’t be afraid to step up and try whatever skill the coach is asking you to try. Take initiative, and be consistent. Let the coaches see your potential.
Do what you can do, and do it well, multiple times. Don’t hold back, but remember that it’s also okay to make mistakes.
Is there a benefit to doing either High School or All Star Cheer?
In Coach Bruce’s opinion, it does not matter whether or not you do high school or all star cheer to become a college cheerleader. He encourages athletes not to burn themselves out! There isn’t a specific box you should put yourself in. Choose the best fit for you!
Listen to the full episode to learn more about how to gain Game Day experience, whether or not you need a cheer social media account, and more!
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