Marquette Cheer Team Information

The Marquette University cheerleading team is a co-ed squad specializing in partner stunts, pyramids, tumbling, and some all-girl stunting.

Members of the team will have the opportunity to be a part of the excitement of Marquette Athletics and the BIG EAST Conference. From cheering on our basketball teams with chants of WE ARE MARQUETTE in front of thousands of fans at Fiserv Forum and the Al McGuire Center, to taking part in one of the many winning MU athletic programs, you will have the chance to be a part of the Blue & Gold family. As a member of the Marquette Spirit Squad, you will become a part of a team that embodies the tradition that is Marquette University. The Golden Eagles squad also makes appearances representing the University at various alumni, athletics, charitable and public relations activities. In addition, you will have the chance to travel to the BIG EAST Conference and NCAA basketball tournament sites, as well as appear on television in front of a national audience.

GENERAL TEAM REQUIREMENTS

The Marquette cheerleading team is a highly visible and enthusiastic group of student-athletes selected to support the Division of Intercollegiate Athletics and serve as student ambassadors by appearing at athletic and university functions and various community events.
Members must be full-time students at Marquette University (12 semester hours) pursuing an undergraduate or postgraduate degree. Each member must be in good academic standing per guidelines set by the team and our academic advisors.
Members are encouraged to schedule classes during the morning and afternoon. The Marquette Spirit Squad practices in the evenings at the Al McGuire Center. Therefore, it is recommended that members do their best to not schedule evening classes to avoid conflicts with practices, games, and other spirit squad activities.
The Marquette cheerleading team performs at all men's and women's basketball home games. Smaller squads also make appearances at all home women's volleyball games. A select group of team members have the opportunity to travel to the men's and women's BIG EAST Conference tournaments and NCAA tournament sites.
Members of the squad receive practice gear, warm-ups, travel gear and shoes. Uniforms, poms, and megaphones are also provided at no cost. Additionally, as able, we will work alongside a strength and conditioning coach to ensure our student-athletes are staying healthy and strong during the entirety of the season.
Marquette cheerleading is one of the top programs in the BIG EAST Conference and involves a major time commitment from all members. The team spends approximately three days per week in preparation for games and events, as well as participating in a strength and conditioning program.

2026-27 Spring Tryout Dates/Times/Location:

Tryout Dates/Times/Details
- Spring 2026-27 Tryout Prep Clinic: Saturday, April 11 from 1pm – 4pm at the Al McGuire Center (770 N. 12^th St).
- Spring 2026-27 Tryouts: Saturday, April 18 & 19 from 12pm – 3pm at the Al McGuire Center (770 N. 12^th St).
  - Time/location are for BOTH days.
- Spring tryouts are open to ALL current MU students (including transfer students) - please see information below regarding items to bring to tryouts
- REGISTER FOR OUR TRYOUT PREP CLINIC AND TRYOUTS HERE: https://www.muspiritsquadclinics.com/
- Fall 2026-27 Tryout information will be available during summer 2026.
Tryout Attire (for tryout prep clinic and tryouts)
- Athletes should wear a plain white top (t-shirt or tank top), with minimal writing, navy athletic shorts, white crew socks, and appropriate athletic shoes. For females, gameday makeup is preferred and hair should be in a low, slicked ponytail out of your face (no 'wispys'). For males, facial hair should be manicured and clean cut

*Please direct any questions/concerns to Coach Claire (claire.mchugh@marquette.edu)

Tryout Requirements:

Athletes must register using this link: open through Saturday, April 18 - https://www.muspiritsquadclinics.com/dance-team-auditions.cfm

Eligibility:
- All admitted incoming freshmen and transfer students, as well as current Marquette University students. Current and transfer students MUST have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0
- Strong commitment to Marquette University Athletics
- Prior cheerleading and/or gymnastics experience
- Strong gameday presence and crowd-leading ability
- Sharp motion technique
- Full-time student (12+ credits/semester)
Skill Recommendations:
- Tumbling: Standing back handspring OR standing tuck, round-off back handspring tuck.
  - We prefer our athletes to have the minimum tumbling requirements, however while tumbling is important, it is just one aspect of a well-rounded cheerleader. If you do not have tumbling experience, however, excel in other areas, you may still qualify as a candidate to try out.
- Stunting: Tryouts will be judged on technique and proficiency OR potential to obtain these skills quickly:
  - Coed stunts: Toss-chair, toss-hands, toss-hands/extend, Purdue shoulder stand, walk-in hands.
  - All-girl stunts: Straight up body positions, extension, liberty, heel-stretch/arabesque, etc., inversion potential
Potential Tryout Interview Questions:
- How would you describe yourself as a teammate?
- How would your previous coach describe your commitment level?
- How would your previous teammates describe your leadership style?
- What is one thing you feel like you will bring to the Marquette University cheerleading team?
- What are you looking for in a coach?
- Explain a time you did not live up to your team's expectations or program standards and how did you handle the situation?
- What is an area you would like to develop as an athlete?
- Tell us about your favorite high school or all-star cheerleading moment?

CONTACT THE COACHES
If you have any specific questions about the Marquette Spirit Squad, tryouts, or team requirements, please reach out to our coaching staff:

Claire McHugh (claire.mchugh@marquette.edu)

Marquette University Athletics

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