The Youngstown State Cheer Team is accepting candidates for the upcoming 2026-27 Athletic season.
Upcoming clinic dates are January 14, February 16 and March 18.
CHEER PROGRAM OVERVIEW
The YSU Cheer Team focuses on gameday entertainment. We cheer all home football games, home men's and women's basketball games, and postseason away men's and women's basketball games.
Regular practices are held Monday and Wednesday in addition to weight training and conditioning twice a week. Our season is a full-year commitment that requires summer practices and possible games over school breaks. The team also attends various school appearances, parades, public relations and charitable events.
Members of the YSU Cheer Team are representatives of the athletic teams we support, the YSU athletic department, and Youngstown State University. As highly visible ambassadors, team members are expected to conduct themselves accordingly, at games and in the community. We strive to find skilled and talented athletes with cheer experience. We look for well-rounded students who are coachable and willing to support and represent YSU to create the best gameday experience.
We ask that anyone interested in becoming a Penguin Cheerleader, fill out the Tryout Application Form below and follow us on Instagram: penguin_cheer_youngstown for upcoming clinic dates. Please email coaches with any additional questions about the program. (jsstacy@ysu.edu and/or mlmarkota@ysu.edu)
CHEER TEAM REQUIREMENTS
- Must have recent cheer experience
- Must have a back handspring and a round off back handspring
- Stunting Experience is recommended but not required
WAYS TO JOIN THE TEAM
- Complete Tryout Application Form https://form.jotform.com/250555885885172
- Attend one of our winter/spring clinics
- Submit video tryout if you can't attend a clinic
- Email coaches for additional information
WHAT YOU NEED TO ATTEND A TRYOUT CLINIC
- A recent physical (within the past 12 months)
- Cheerleading Tryout Waiver
- Both Physical and Wavier must be approved by a YSU trainer
