Is it possible for me to get a cheerleading scholorship?

Question

To start, I am a 20 year old male. I was a high leveled gymnast for 4 years and just recently got into cheerleading. I am now competing with a level 3 team. I'm being held back a lot with the level 3 team, because I have skills that go beyond that level (it's the only level available for me). I figured I can at least learn the basics with this team. I'm pretty sure my tumbling is at college level, if not then it's not far off.

So if I stick with this team and learn the basics, do you think I have a chance to get a scholarship at a college? I'm not sure how that would work, would I just walk in and ask to try out?

I have been attending a community college for the last year, but if I could transfer to a different college with a cheer scholarship that would be great. I figure that since I am a guy it would be a lot easier to get a scholarship since they are more scarce in the sport, I may be wrong though.

So any input or similar past experiences anyone has would be greatly appreciated.

Answer 1

Do you have just the one year of college? Most colleges require you to attend them for at least 2 years after transferring in order to get a degree from them. (For obvious reasons, or else we'd all go to Bob's School of Whatever and then transfer into Harvard at the last second to get a "degree" from there. LOL)

Guys have an easier time of it getting scholarships just because there are way fewer of you and your strength and stunting ability are prized. So you have that in your favor.

American Cheerleader magazine has a list of schools that offer scholarships. Most only cover books, maybe tuition if you are lucky. There are a few who offer a full ride but not many. Oddly, I think community colleges may offer more than your Ivy Leagues and so forth.  Try contacting AC magazine and see if you can get that list. I am pretty sure it is in a back issue.

Once you know what schools you are interested in (and please make sure you are choosing as much for your major as for cheering) you need to find out what skills are required.  If they say you need to be able to throw a standing full or put up a rewind front stretch tick-tock without assistance and you can't do it, either train really hard or look at a different school.

Many schools have springtime tryouts so you may have missed your chance if you plan to transfer by this fall. If you are transferring next year to a very distant school, most places accept videos of you performing your skills rather than expect you to show up in person. Again, not always so check on that.

I am sure there is a lot more info you need to know, but I don't coach at the college level so this is all I can share with you.

Good luck!!