IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING OUR 2020 TRYOUT PROCESS

For the health and well-being of our community, we will be holding our first cuts of tryouts via video submission. Here is what you need to know:

• Online registration will remain the same and is due by Friday, April 3rd – www.gcucheercamps.com • Tryout Paperwork is still due by Friday, April 3rd – now done online at http://www.gculopes.com/cheer-tryout-form • Video submission will be due by Friday, April 17th – see below for details, links and deadlines • Coaches and judges will review videos Saturday April 18th and Sunday April 19th • Candidates will be notified by Monday, April 20th if they are invited to 2nd cuts, which will be an IN- PERSON TRYOUT, followed by TEAM PRACTICES, HELD IN JUNE. o In order to be eligible for 2nd cuts, candidate must be available for the following June dates: June 11 3:00PM-10:00PM – Tryout, with end of the day cuts June 12 9:30AM-12:30PM – Tryout, team is announced during lunch break 2:00PM-10:00PM – Practice June 13 9:30AM-10:00PM – Practice June 14 9:30AM-5:00PM – Practice

o Only exception to missing June dates are graduations, weddings, or family vacations that were planned years in advance. Be sure to indicate conflicts in tryout paperwork. o All financial obligations of June tryouts/practices will be the responsibility of the student – including travel, hotel, food and any other associated costs.

GCU will continue to monitor the Coronavirus and if in-person tryouts/practices in June are not possible, we will adjust as needed.

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2020-2021 TRYOUT INFORMATION PACKET

UPDATED TO REFLECT NEW VIDEO TRYOUTS IN RESPONSE TO CORONAVIRUS (CHANGES FOUND IN RED)

In this packet, you will find extremely important information. Please read it completely and thoroughly. Take note of important dates, mandatory expectations, and details of our program. If you have any questions, please email [email protected] or visit www.gculopes.com/gcucheerleaders/aboutus. Follow us @GCUCheerleaders

PROGRAM OVERVIEW ▪ Spirit Program Coaching Staff ▪ Cheerleading Team Overview o Mission o Objectives o Description of Teams ▪ Overall Requirements & Expectations ▪ Summer Requirements, Time Commitments & Mandatory Dates ▪ Season Requirements & Time Commitments ▪ Team Fees, Financial Obligations & Fundraising ▪ Benefits ▪ Scholarships ▪ Competition TRYOUTS REQUIRED PAPERWORK (NO LONGER IN THIS PACKET – NOW COMPETED ONLINE) VIDEO TRYOUTS OVERVIEW ▪ General Information & Important Dates ▪ Video Tryout Policy ▪ Video Requirements ▪ Game Day Material – with link ▪ Tumbling/Stunting Skills ▪ Tryout Evaluation Details FAQ’S

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PROGRAM OVERVIEW

SPIRIT PROGRAM COACHING STAFF Emily Stephens – Director of Spirit Programs & Head Cheer Coach Keegan Hubbard – Associate Head Cheer Coach Jesi Weeks – Spirit Programs Coordinator Amanda Beers – Athletic Trainer Mitch Weissenhofer – Strength & Conditioning

The Sprit Programs include the Cheerleaders, Dance Team, Mascot (Thunder), Student Section (The Havocs) and the Thundering Heard Pep Band and all programs work closely together. The cheer and dance teams are separate teams, and do not operate as a spiritline; the teams do practice separately. However, under the Spirit Programs, they work very cohesively together. They attend camp together and often perform and appear together at university functions and community outreach events. Both teams are blessed to have their own Strength & Conditioning Coach who creates work-outs specific to our sport and skills and oversees our strength program and progress. We also have an Athletic Trainer who attends every practice, game, and event. Safety, injury prevention and treatment are of the utmost importance to our program and our Athletic Trainers are highly qualified and provide immediate and one-on- one treatment to our athletes.

CHEERLEADING TEAM OVERVIEW Mission The mission of the Cheerleaders is to support, promote and represent Grand Canyon University through proper promotion of school spirit, pride, tradition, and student involvement. Objectives ▪ Support GCU Athletics by cheering at all home men’s and women’s volleyball matches, men’s and women’s basketball games and other select athletic contests and events. ▪ Support University Relations & GCU Marketing by attending and performing at various promotional events on campus and within the community. ▪ Demonstrate qualities of commitment, discipline and responsibility, as well as to serve as exceptional representatives and ambassadors of Grand Canyon University, the GCU Sprit Program and the cheerleading team. ▪ Display appropriate Division I collegiate level cheerleading skills and technique and reinforce those concepts during games and performances. Description of Teams ▪ GCU Cheerleading is comprised of a CO-ED team and an ALL-GIRL team that both incorporate game day cheering, partner & group stunting, pyramids, basket tosses and tumbling. ▪ Both Co-Ed and All-Girl work cohesively together. They have combined practices/work-outs that allow both groups to work together when needed, but also develop distinct skills needed for each specialty. ▪ Females must declare a team they plan to tryout for, but may be asked to show stunting skills with the other team at tryouts. ▪ Both teams combine for camp and many other events. ▪ Both teams are considered GCU Athletic teams and under the supervision of GCU University Relations and Campus Events with a dotted line to Athletics.

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OVERALL REQUIREMENTS & EXPECTATIONS ▪ Demonstrate exceptional academic leadership in the classroom by attending all classes, being an outstanding student, and being committed to academic excellence. ▪ Each semester, must be enrolled as a full-time student at Grand Canyon University (12 credits per semester). Must have and maintain a 2.0 GPA to be eligible for scholarship, maintain a C (75%) or above grades in all classes in order to participate, and provide bi-weekly grade checks. ▪ Abide by all rules and regulations set by NCAA Division I (National Collegiate Athletic Association) and the Western Athletic Conference (which GCU athletics falls under) as they pertain to collegiate cheerleading. ▪ Maintain all athletic training paperwork and abide by ALL athletic compliance policies & guidelines, including: drug & tobacco policies, random drug testing, medical insurance coverage and behavioral conduct standards. ▪ Follow all AACCA (American Association of Cheerleading Coaches & Administrators) safety rules and display proper understanding and demonstration of safety technique to help prevent injury. ▪ All athletes must exhibit appropriate personal conduct. It is critical that the GCU Cheerleaders are a positive reflection of GCU and align with the 4 pillars in which GCU was founded upon: Academic Advancement, Christian Camaraderie, Extra Curricular Excellence and Wellness & Well-Being. ▪ All athletes must possess a strong dedication to academic excellence and show dependability, honesty, and commitment to being/growing into a servant leader. ▪ All athletes must have a positive attitude and be willing to learn, accept instruction/constructive criticism from coaches & captains, grow with the GCU team as a team player, respect all decisions of coaches & captains and respect the integrity of the mission of the GCU Cheer program. Ultimate acceptance of the GCU cheer team’s mission and responsibilities are required to remain on the team. ▪ All athletes must act like a mature and responsible adult and treat cheerleading like a job where you are accountable, timely and disciplined. Must possess excellent time management and prioritizing skills. ▪ All athletes must show an understanding of responsibility and commitment regarding maintaining health and wellness, nutrition, safety, and injury prevention.

SUMMER REQUIREMENTS, TIME COMMITMENTS & MANDATORY DATES – ALL SUMMER DATES ARE STILL PLANNED UNLESS OTHERWISE NEEDED TO ADJUST DUE TO NEW DEVELOPMENTS OF THE CORONAVIRUS ▪ We strongly believe in the power of the “OFF SEASON” and expect athletes to take responsibility and initiative in improving their skills and physical well-being during the summer. Failure to do so will result in loss of participation at camp and performances. ▪ However, due to the changes in our tryout process and the timing of finalizing our team, we will update our summer at-home or on campus workouts and skills expectations in late April/early May for returners and those who have been invited to our in-person tryout in June. ▪ Other fundraising and university events that come up during the summer will be asked of returning members but will work around summer work schedules – all dependent on developments of COVID-19. ▪ In addition to expected work-outs, attend MANDATORY June Tryout/Practice. Dates/times are listed on page one. ▪ Late July/Early August mandatory dates: Late July – Members move onto campus (exact date announced on April 20th) Dates announced on April 20th – Pre-Camp Meetings, Team Building, and Practices August 6-9 – Attend UCA Collegiate Cheer Camp in Santa Barbara, CA August 10-16 – Attend all scheduled Post-Camp Practices and Events August 27-23 – Welcome Week performances and events August 24 – GCU Fall Semester Begins

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SEASON REQUIREMENTS & TIME COMMITMENTS ▪ Attend all season practices, strength and conditioning, games and other university/community events beginning of fall semester & continuing through mid-April 2021. In general, a commitment of 20+ hours per week can be expected each week. ▪ Practices/Strength and Conditioning: o Exact practice and strength and conditioning days/times will be announced on April 20th but will be 3 days per week. o Practices consist of progression and perfection of game day material (chants, band dances, rallying, etc.) as well as progression and perfection of tumbling and stunting. We will also spend quality time on leadership development, character growth and team cohesiveness. o All members will be required to work their stunting and tumbling skills, at least 1 time per week for 1 hour minimum, outside of practice. o Missed practices are NOT permitted unless there is an emergency situation. Family vacation, work conflicts, etc. are not reason for missing practice. ▪ Games: o The GCU Cheerleaders cheer at all home men’s and women’s volleyball matches, men’s and women’s basketball games and other select athletic contests upon requests such as soccer. o A select number of athletes will be chosen from the co-ed and all-girl team to cheer for the men’s basketball games (Purple Squad) and will be chosen based on experience, rallying skills, tumbling & stunting skills, as well as attitude, grades and overall performance. Men’s basketball is our highest profile sport and is completely televised; therefore this will be the most experienced team. Remaining athletes will cheer for the women’s basketball games (White and Black Squad). Both teams will divide other games for other sports. Note: rookies will always cheer on the White Squad their first year, but will have a handful of opportunities to participate to some extent and train for Men’s Basketball games. o You must be available for all games that might be scheduled over Thanksgiving, Christmas, Spring Break and other holidays. o Missed practices, events & games are NOT permitted unless there is an emergency situation. Family vacations, work conflicts, etc. are not reason for missing a game. ▪ Other University & Community Events: o The GCU Cheerleaders are truly an athletic form of marketing and are used in many ways to promote GCU. We attend and perform at pep rallies, media events, community events such as cancer walks, festivals, etc. Being in the public and being the face of GCU is a role that is not taken lightly and requires the cheerleaders to be very approachable, personable, and mature. o We do everything we can to plan accordingly and give the athletes as much notice as possible. However, additional events do come up periodically and we ask team members to be flexible.

TEAM FEES, FINANCIAL OBLIGATIONS & FUNDRAISING ▪ Fees: o $35 non-refundable online tryout registration fee (online service charges apply) o $200.00 non-refundable team fee will be due upon making the team in June o $200.00 team fee will be due upon moving back to campus in July/August ▪ Financial Obligations: o Approximately $200 worth of additional practice apparel will be required and will be paid by the athlete. Purchases will be expected at the end of July. o Athletes will be responsible for their own food/meals during pre-camp practices. o Periodic additional fees for team gatherings, holiday gifts, etc. ▪ Fundraising: o Additional fundraising efforts will be necessary and vary each year. All members will be expected to participate in fundraising.

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BENEFITS ▪ Scholarships!! (See below section). ▪ Nike attire and gear all paid for by and property of GCU Cheer! ▪ GCU Cheer uniforms and other GCU marketing apparel ▪ Fully funded trip to Santa Barbara for UCA Cheer Camp, including food. ▪ Opportunity to cheer & have a front row seat for all home Volleyball, Basketball, and other games/events in the ELECTRIC GCU Arena and be affiliated with an NCAA Division I athletic program. ▪ Use of GCU’s athletic weight room & a customized training program developed by one of GCU’s top-notch strength & conditioning coaches. ▪ Access to GCU’s athletic training facilities and trainers for any team related injuries. ▪ Possible opportunity to travel to any basketball tournaments and championship games. ▪ Possible opportunity to compete at a collegiate level cheerleading competition. ▪ Opportunities for professional development and networking within University partnerships. ▪ A solid support network that fosters personal purpose and growth from the challenge of a dynamic Christian dedicated team.

SCHOLARSHIPS All team members receive a scholarship upon making the team if all eligibility requirements are met, however, the exact amount varies each year and is dependent on the program’s overall scholarship budget, number of team members, athlete’s availability due to other institutional awards, and the ratio of veteran to rookie team members. Scholarship potential is highest for the veteran team members who have been on the team the longest. Other GCU scholarships offered must be considered as well. Upon making the team in June, we look at the athlete’s other institutional scholarships. We are restricted to the following combination CAP limits. These amounts are combined scholarship amounts. Not what the cheer scholarship will be. For students who started before the 2019 Fall semester, below are the scholarship cap limits: ▪ Presidents Scholars on campus housing may receive up to $16,500/year ▪ All other scholars on campus housing may receive up to $14,000/year ▪ All other scholars living off campus may receive up to $11,500/year For students who started 2019 Fall or later, below are the scholarship cap limits: ▪ Presidents Scholars on campus housing may receive up to $15,000/year ▪ All other scholars on campus housing may receive up to $12,500/year ▪ All other scholars living off campus may receive up to $10,000/year On average, first year members receive approximately $1200-$1500 per year. That amount goes up each year. Team members will be given their scholarship amount by the end of June 2020.

COMPETITION We are first and foremost game day cheerleaders! However, we do believe with the right amount of discipline, time management, passion and heart, great game day cheerleaders can also be highly competitive. Important information and policies regarding competition: ▪ It is a privilege, not a right and should NOT be the reason you are trying out for this team. ▪ 16 athletes will be chosen from the co-ed and all-girl team to make-up the competition team. Yes, we compete co-ed, but many all-girl athletes may have the skills that we need (tumbling, baskets, pyramids) in order to be fully well-rounded at competition. ▪ We compete in the Game Day division which adds additional athletes. Exact numbers will vary each season. ▪ Coaches and choreographers will make the final decision on the athletes who will compete. It will be based upon the athletes’ character and true ability to compete at a DI level, considering their mental & spiritual well-being, emotional stability, personal & financial stability, overall attitude, grades, past experience, required skills, and availability/willingness to sacrifice time for extra practices. ▪ GCU funds quite a bit of the cost, but additional fundraising will be necessary and required of all team members.

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VIDEO TRYOUTS OVERVIEW

GENERAL INFORMATION AND IMPORTANT DATES Although we did not expect the need to change our live tryout to a video tryout, we are confident we can adjust accordingly. It is our goal to create a fair process for our candidates that will ensue we have a strong team for the 2020-2021 season! We plan to have our first cuts of tryouts via video submission. If you make it past the first round, you will be invited to attend our in-person tryout in June. That tryout will be followed by our already scheduled mid- summer practice. We hope this will keep us on track to be ready for our season to begin in August.

THERE ARE 3 STEPS TO TRYOUTS:

(1) Online Registration ▪ Completed by Friday, April 3, 2020, 11:59 PM, AZ Time ▪ Link can be found by going to www.gcucheercamps.com. ▪ This is where you pay your $35.00 fee. Online processing fee will apply. Note: If you registered before March 16th, your registration was mistakenly cancelled during the restructuring of our process due to the Coronavirus. You should have been refunded $38.00. Due to this, we do need you to re-register and pay the fee. Email [email protected] if you have concerns or questions.

(2) Online Tryout Required Paperwork ▪ Completed by Friday, April 3, 2020, 11:59 PM, AZ Time ▪ Link can be found by going to http://www.gculopes.com/cheer-tryout-form Note: If you already mailed your Tryout Required Paperwork, no worries. We will accept it. If not, please complete our new online paperwork.

(3) Video Submission ▪ Email link by Friday, April 17, 2020, 11:59 PM, AZ Time ▪ See instructions below ▪ Game Day material link is https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qIZ9l3QMXdg ▪ Email video link to [email protected]

To help avoid any confusion, here are some most important changes from our original tryout process to take note of:

▪ The video submission is just our first cut. If you make it past the first cut, you will be asked to attend our in- person tryout in June. ▪ You are no longer required to get a physical at this time. If you are invited to our in-person tryout in June, you will be asked to bring your physical with you. More information will be sent as the time comes. ▪ You no longer need to send a copy of your insurance card at this time. If you are invited to our in-person tryout in June, we will collect copies of insurance cards at that time. More information will be sent as the time comes. ▪ You no longer need to provide letters of recommendations at this time. If you are invited to our in-person tryout in June, we will collect recommendations at that time. More information will be sent as the time comes.

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VIDEO TRYOUT POLICY ▪ This video is a first cuts preliminary process ▪ Video must meet all requirements in order to be considered ▪ Complete all elements listed below and do so in the order listed. Be sure to pay close attention to the instructions and follow them exactly. ▪ Compete video dressed and with hair as follows: o T-Shirt tucked into athletic shorts (such as running shorts or soffe shorts – no spandex) o Ladies – hair pulled back in a clean pony-tail with presentable make-up on o Gentlemen – hair neatly groomed with no excessive facial hair o Wear shoes in all videos ▪ Interview portion should be shot waste up, so we can see and hear you clearly. Stay within 10 seconds of time limit (either under or over). ▪ Tumbling and stunting should be shot or shown seeing full body in order to clearly see the skills being shown.

VIDEO REQUIRMENTS INTRODUCTION – State your first and last name INTERVIEW – Answer the following questions: 1. In 2:00 minutes, tell us WHY you want to attend GCU and why you want to be a GCU Cheerleader. 2. Rookies members are often surprised at the level of coaching, feedback, critique and high standards collegiate, Division I coaches ask of their athletes. It requires a tremendous amount of humility, maturity and a compelling desire to learn and improve. Explain in 1:00 minute how you plan to adjust to the difference in coaching and what being a Division I athlete means to you. 3. One of the most important aspects of this team is we are truly a family. Explain in 1:00 minute how will you look out for your family and truly be a fair and loving member.

GAME DAY MATERIAL – Demonstrate all Game Day material (use poms and a megaphone if available) ▪ All tryout material can be found using the link found at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qIZ9l3QMXdg ▪ Links to download all songs may be found in the description of the video ▪ Music must audible during all videos – link in video or by clicking here https://www.dropbox.com/sh/hoyye9saa2x2d7c/AADFFzBxtyRJmUAAKnY8-Y3fa?dl=0 ▪ Material must be shown in the order as it is listed below. Add a blank black screen before each section with the title listed. Order and titles are: 1. FIGHT SONG 2. RAISE THE GO LOPES 3. RALLYING (10 seconds using music provided) 4. GCU SPELLOUT (4 times through) ▪ Details for each item: 1. FIGHT SONG – using the song provided, perform all parts of the GCU Fight Song, as well as sing along with the fight song words. 2. RAISE THE GO LOPES – using the song provided, perform all parts of audio, as well as sing along with the words. 3. RALLYING – using the song provided, perform 10 seconds of rallying, including audible fillers (no kicks, jumps or tumbling). 4. GCU SPELLOUT – perform the GCU spell out 4 times total to the rhythm shown in the video, using fillers and the audible que “last time” after the 3rd spell out.

*Video should be shot facing the camera with suitable lighting. No selfie views. Have someone film for you. *The camera used should have a microphone in order to record the live audio of all sections to asses Gameday presence. 8 | P a g e

TUMBLING ▪ Videos of tumbling skills should be current, if possible, but old videos may be used to substitute (no audio in new videos) o Due to current health regulations, the use of a gym/mat may not be possible. When in doubt, use old videos. ▪ Material must be shown in the order as it is listed below. Add a blank black screen before each section with the skill performed listed (Example: Standing Tumbling – Standing Tuck) ▪ Skills should be performed on dead mat or hardwood floor. If mat or hardwood floor are not available, grass or carpet is fine. ▪ No spots may be used ▪ Required video clips: if you do not have a clip of the specific skills listed, use a different skill or sequence to supplement. Email Coach Keegan at [email protected] for questions.

1. STANDING TUMBLING (show most elite skill) – 1 clip o Standing back-handspring o Standing tuck o OR more advanced skill 2. BASIC RUNNING TUMBLING (show both) – 2 clips o Round off back-handspring series (3 total BHS connected) o Round off BHS tuck 3. ADVANCED RUNNING TUMBLING – optional o Most elite running skill (clip from a routine is acceptable, be sure to make it clear where you are in the video) STUNTING ▪ Videos of stunting skills should be current, if possible, but old videos may be used to substitute (no audio in new version) o Due to the current health regulations, GCU does not require that you stunt in a group. When in doubt, use an old video. ▪ Be sure to add a description of which position you are in the video. ▪ Material must be shown in the order as it is listed below. Add a blank black screen before each section with the skill performed listed (Example: Coed Stunting: Flyer-Toss Hands) (All-Girl: Back Spot-Full up liberty) ▪ You may make a skill more difficult (Example: All Girl: Full up pull through lib) (Coed: Toss lib or Full up) ▪ If you are experienced in both CO-ED and ALL-GIRL flying, you may add a clip of your most elite skill at the end with the title “Extra Skill.” Be sure to indicate who you are in the video. ▪ Items Video Clips: if you do not have a clip of the specific skills listed, use a different skill or sequence to supplement. Email Coach Keegan at [email protected] for questions.

ALL-GIRL: (One clip of each – 3 total) (Higher level skills acceptable in each) 1. Basing, backing or flying in a full-up to platform (extended) 2. Basing, backing or flying in a switch up to body position OR low to high liberty/stretch 3. Basing, backing or flying in a low full around high platform OR high to high full around platform *Flyers must show a full twisting cradle dismount from any body position from of one of the skills listed above. If not available, show a dismount other than a straight cradle.

CO-ED: (One clip of each – 4 total) (Higher level skills acceptable in each) (Must be unassisted) 1. Basing or flying in a toss extension. 2. Basing or flying in a bump and go lib OR toss lib OR toss platform stretch 3. Low to high lib OR low to high stretch. 4. Cradle from a lib OR stretch OR Arabesque (Full down to cradle preferred)

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TRYOUT EVALUATION DETAILS – HOW EACH ELEMENT WILL BE CONSIDERED Required Paperwork Paperwork will be read by coaching and judging staff. Scoring will be based off complete and concise content throughout. Proper grammar and sentence structure will highly influence scoring.

Interview It is our goal to truly get to know you and your character (as best as we can via video). We want to know why you want to be a GCU cheerleader, how you plan to handle the pressure of being a collegiate athlete, and trust that you will represent GCU appropriately. Candidates will be scored on preparation, verbal and non-verbal communication, content/delivery of answers, overall demeanor, and charisma.

Game Day Material Points will be scored based on knowledge of material, sharpness/placement/control of motions according to counts, voice projection, rallying presence (normal facial expressions/smiling, relaxed nature while performing material) and overall collegiate appearance.

Standing & Running Tumbling Points will be scored based on skill level, potential, consistency, form, and technique.

All-Girl & Coed Stunting Points will be scored based on skill level, potential, consistency, power, posture, technique, and safety.

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FAQ’S – New questions in RED

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS How many members will make the team? We do not set a standard team size. The number we take each season completely depends on the caliber of the applicants and what we see at tryouts.

If I make the team, am I guaranteed to make the stunting position I tried out for (i.e. as a co-ed top, or an all-girl top)? No. We do reserve the right to ask females trying out to switch stunting positions as needed for our roster. In the past, we have had females come to tryouts as a top girl and be asked to base, or switch between co-ed and all-girl. At the collegiate level, versatility is very important and the ability to make any necessary switches will only increase your overall capability to make the team.

May I still tryout if I cannot complete all the skills listed? We will ask that you demonstrate each skill to the best of ability, if you are safely able to do so, in order to assess your current level. Mastery of all skills are not an absolute requirement, but highly suggested.

Can my friends/family watch tryouts in June? We are uncertain at this time.

Is it difficult to balance school and being on the cheer team? Being a collegiate athlete is a large time commitment with high mental and physical demands. As a college cheerleader, you learn to time manage, prioritize, and maintain responsible communication with your professors and coaches. Our cheerleaders have several support programs in place to be successful student-athletes. But most importantly, how successful you are depends on your level of maturity. Cheerleaders can expect to be challenged in this area as we know how important it is to be focused, responsible, self-motivated and much more to be prosperous on this team.

Do the cheerleaders have jobs? Yes, many of them do. Many work on campus jobs, some work off campus. We provide a monthly calendar so cheerleaders can plan accordingly. However, it is expected athletes remain flexible in their schedule as unforeseen events do come up. We recommend cheerleaders work and save as much as possible during the summer in order to be more finally secure during the school year.

Is it required to live on campus to be on the team? Do the cheerleaders live with each other? It is not required to live on campus and be on the cheer team, however, our schedule is very full and commuting can be difficult. It is possible and we have had athletes do it, it just takes a great deal of time-management. Traffic, car troubles, etc. are never an excuse for being late or missing an event. Many of the returning cheerleaders will live together after their first year. Some cheerleaders will meet at tryout and then arrange to live together after that. GCU Cheerleaders do not have a specific housing area.

I’m from out of state. Will I get to go home over school breaks? We do our best to provide students with some time off over school breaks to travel home, though it is not guaranteed. Due to our appearance schedule, nationals practices, and athletic schedules that are not public yet for the 2020-21 season, we are not yet able to share what dates will be available for travel home. As GCU Athletics become more successful, we are provided more opportunities to support our school teams!

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Any final advice? ▪ Download the BAND App and ask to be added to the “2020 GCU Cheerleaders Tryout” BAND group. This is a great way to ask questions, get advice from veteran cheerleaders, etc. Send us an email at [email protected] if you have questions. ▪ Follow us on Instagram @GCUCheerleaders for updates ▪ Make a good first impression – do your paperwork right and follow all instructions. This is our first chance to see how detailed oriented & responsible you are. ▪ Be sure your video is done correctly and professionally.

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