TRYOUT INFORMATION 2026-2027
Welcome! Thank you for your interest in trying out for the PLNU Cheer Team!
Please read this page thoroughly to find out about our open gyms and all the tryout information. Email any questions regarding the 2026-2027 season tryout process to Coach Jacklyn at jlittlep@pointloma.edu
2026-2027 PLNU CHEER TEAM INFO:
For the 2026-2027 season, we plan to have a Competition Team (competing in the Game Day division) and a Sideline Team (appearing at campus events and Women's and Men's Basketball games). Those who are accepted onto the Competition Team will also be a part of the Sideline Team, with the added commitment of competition. Interest in the Competition Team does not guarantee a spot on the team. In the tryout registration form below, please indicate if you are trying out for the Competition Team or the Sideline Team only.
Tryout Eligibility:
- Be a full-time student at PLNU for the full academic year (2026-27).
Registration:
Candidates must complete the registration form below to attend in-person open gyms and/or tryouts.
Tryouts:
- Date: Saturday, April 25, 2026
- Location: PLNU Golden Gym (3900 Lomaland Dr. San Diego, CA 92106)
- Check In: 8 a.m.
- Start Time: 8:15 a.m.
Attire:
- Black fitted shirt, black shorts, white cheer/athletic shoes
- Full gameday makeup
- Hair should be in a low ponytail
- Bows can be worn if in school colors (green, gold, or white)
- No jewelry
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Tryout Material:
Candidates must learn our Fight Song, PLNU Chant, and sideline dance prior to tryouts. A link to a Google folder with videos of the material will be sent out to all registered candidates after registration closes.
Evaluation:
Candidates will try out in small groups and be evaluated on the following:
- Stunts: Candidates will be required to form their own stunt group and perform a stunt of their choosing. Each candidate will be scored individually on their technique and execution of the stunt. See below for Competition requirements and Sideline requirements.
- Competition Team Stunt Requirements: At minimum, a switch-up with a pop-off dismount is strongly preferred for the stunt of choice. Candidates must also perform a basket toss with their group.
- Sideline Team Stunt Requirements: At minimum, a liberty with a pop-off dismount is strongly preferred for the stunt of choice.
- Jumps: Candidates will be asked to execute a toe touch, one other jump of their choice, and a double-jump of their choice.
- Tumbling: Tumbling is strongly recommended, but not required.
- Competition Team Candidates: Candidates may demonstrate skills they can perform unassisted on a dead mat. Only back handsprings and above will be evaluated.
- Sideline Team Candidates: Candidates should only demonstrate skills they can perform unassisted on the basketball court. Only back handsprings and above will be evaluated.
- Gameday Material and Sideline Dance: Material should be performed in a collegiate manner, with maximum effort. Excessive facials are not encouraged. Candidates will be evaluated on knowledge of material, execution, and performance.
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OPEN GYM OVERVIEW:
While open gym sessions are optional, attendance is highly encouraged. Come stunt and tumble with other candidates, and get to know the coaching staff. There will be an opportunity for Q&A. Open Gym is open to all high school, community college, and PLNU students eligible for tryouts.
- Dates and Times:
- Wednesday, April 15th, from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
- Sunday, April 19th, from 3:00 - 6:00 p.m.
- Wednesday, April 22nd, from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
- Locations:
- For Wednesday, April 15th and April 22nd - Liberty Station Conference Center (2600 Laning Rd. San Diego, CA 92106)
- For Sunday, April 19th - PLNU Golden Gym (3900 Lomaland Dr. San Diego, CA 92106)
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VIDEO SUBMISSIONS:
Video submissions are available to candidates who are unable to attend in-person tryouts due to distance from the University or extenuating circumstances. Candidates are still required to register for tryouts to submit a video audition. Email Coach Jacklyn at jlittlep@pointloma.edu if you cannot attend in-person tryouts but wish to submit a video audition.
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SELECTIONS:
While the selection process is one that allows for equal opportunity to all candidates, it is understood by each candidate that the final team roster is determined at the discretion of the coaches and advisor.
Candidates will be notified of team selections after all tryout groups have performed. If selected for the team, candidates will be required to stay at the facility for a mandatory team meeting and uniform fitting. Entire process is expected to be done no later than 12 p.m. (End time may vary based on number of candidates trying out.)
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
Q: What do we need to perform in front of the judges?
A: Candidates will be evaluated on their stunt(s), jumps, Fight Song, Chant, Sideline Dance, and tumbling (if applicable).
Q: Does the program offer any scholarships?
A: No, at this time, PLNU does not offer scholarship opportunities for Cheer.
Q: What are the time commitments for being on the team?
A: Practices typically take place 2-3x a week during the academic year for the Sideline Team. Additional practices will be scheduled for the Competition Team. The Competition Team will be attending UCA College Camp in Santa Barbara from August 6th to August 9th. We will meet a few days before this to practice (exact dates TBD). Sideline Team will not practice over the summer. Members are required to make it to all practices, men's and women's basketball games, and campus appearances. They may be asked to attend other athletic or community events as well.
Q: Does the cheer team compete?
A: Yes, we plan to compete in the Game Day division this upcoming season. Exact competition TBD.
Q: Do I need to know how to tumble?
A: Tumbling is not required to tryout but it is highly recommended.
