Frequently Asked Questions - University of Tennessee Athletics

How does the recruitment process work?
In 2021, we shifted to a recruitment model for our team selection. This process is a combination of evaluating potential spirit members at in person Tennessee clinics, combines, and a required video submission. You do not have to attend in person clinics to be considered; however, it is highly recommended in order for the coaching staff and team to know you outside of a video. Please see the recruitment timeline for a snapshot of the overall process.

Do you offer and scholarship?
Yes! We are very proud to be a leading program surrounding spirit scholarships. Our financial assistance is based on years of experience on the team and can vary based on your eligibility involving grades and compliance. Please note, we do not have the option to waive out of state tuition.
Below is our scholarship tier as it currently stands per year:
First year - $0 - $1000
Second year - up to $2000
Third year - up to $4000
Fourth year - up to $6000

What sports do you dance/cheer on the sidelines?
On Rocky Top you can find us on the sidelines at football, men’s / women’s basketball, and volleyball. We have been known to make guest appearances at soccer and swimming/diving. We also have the privilege to travel to away football games and in the postseason with football and basketball - which lends itself to new places to visit with our teammates!

What resources do you have for your student-athletes?
Our athletic department provides our spirit program with amazing resources to aid in the success of our athletes. Aside from being 100% financially supported, we have access to a team doctor, an athletic trainer dedicated to the spirit program, strength and conditioning coaches, an athletic specific academic advisor, access to mental health support, nutrition, sports psychologist, and eligibility to athlete specific housing.

Is there a GPA requirement?
Once a member of the spirit program, you are required to maintain a 2.0 GPA to be eligible. To be considered for travel (away games, post season) then you must have a 2.5 GPA.

Can you be in activities outside of spirit?
Yes. You are allowed to participate in organizations (Greek life, student organizations, jobs, etc.) while a member of the spirit program. However, we do ask that you communicate upfront with the organization/job that your commitment to the spirit program comes first and should not interfere with practice, workouts, assigned games, appearances, etc.
You are not permitted to be a part of another team or intramural sports due to the high risk of injury that could be sustained while participating in those organizations.

Dance Specific

How many dancers are on the team?
Our current team has 22 dancers but the roster can vary depending on the components needed for each season.

What do you look for in a dancer?
Our first objective when narrowing down our search is rating a dancer’s compatibility with our current team. It's not often you get to choose who is in your family, therefore we take this step very seriously. Our program is very family oriented and anyone joining needs to buy in and support our goal of maintaining a positive, growth focused culture. Technically speaking, a dancer needs to be well rounded and looking to continue to evolve. Ultimately, your skills need to be on par with the current team and ideally going to push the team. When in doubt, reference our nationals’ performances from the year before to see a baseline for skills the following season.

What does your weekly schedule look like?
Typically, we have three set days of practice, two set days of strength and conditioning, academic study hours, appearances on campus / in community, and athletic events. Additionally, in the fall we have two Sundays a month dedicated to practice for our national competition in January. On average, we equate the hours required for the dance team to be similar to a part-time job.

What categories do you compete in at nationals?
We compete at the Universal Dance Association College National Competition in the Division IA Gameday, Pom, and Jazz categories. We have won seven National Championships spanning all three categories.

What does nationals prep/practice entail?
Historically, we learn our nationals specific choreography at the start of our fall semester and dedicate Sunday practices as well as technique classes during the week to chip away. Once finals are over in December, we transition our preparation into a full-time job up until we break for the holiday. We typically have 7-10 days off and then come back together at the start of the new year. We practice every day until we depart for the national competition in mid-January.

Cheer Specific

How many cheerleaders are on the team?
Our current team has 45 members consisting of 24 males and 21 females, which is the largest team we have had in the history of the program. The roster can vary depending on the components needed for each season.

What do you look for in a cheerleader?
Our first objective when narrowing down our search is rating a cheerleader’s compatibility with our current team. It's not often you get to choose who is in your family, therefore we take this step very seriously. Our program is very family oriented and anyone joining needs to buy in and support our goal of maintaining a positive, growth focused culture. Technically speaking, a cheerleader needs to be well rounded and looking to continue to evolve. Ultimately, your skills need to be on par with the current team and ideally going to push the team. When in doubt, reference our nationals performances from the year before to see a baseline for skills the following season.

What does your weekly schedule look like?
Typically, we have four set days of practice through the fall, two set days of strength and conditioning, academic study hours, appearances on campus / in community, and athletic events. Additionally, in the fall we have two Sundays a month dedicated to practice for our national competition in January. On average, we equate the hours required for the cheer team to be similar to a part-time job.

What categories do you compete in at nationals?
We compete at the Universal Cheerleading Association College National Competition in the Division IA Gameday and traditional routine. We have won 2 National Championships in Gameday and placed as high as 2nd in the traditional routine.

What does nationals prep/practice entail?
Historically, we learn our national specific choreography at the start of our fall semester and dedicate Sunday practices as well as dedicating one night through the week to work on stunting and nationals pyramids. Once finals are over in December, we transition our preparation into a full-time job up until we break for the holiday. We typically have seven to 10 days off and then come back together at the start of the new year. We practice every day until we depart for the national competition in mid-January.