Getting a scholarship for cheerleading in college?

I'm a cheerleader in high school and was wondering if there are opportunities to get a scholarship for cheerleading skills. If you have any tips or experience with this, please share!

Yes, there are indeed opportunities for athletes to earn athletics scholarships for cheerleading in college. These scholarships can be both merit and need-based.

First, it's important to understand that cheerleading scholarships are not as numerous as those for some other sports, but they definitely do exist. A large number of colleges across the U.S. offer cheerleading scholarships, including top-notch schools with highly competitive cheerleading squads. Some schools might even consider cheerleading in their initial financial aid offers.

The precise criteria for getting a cheerleading scholarship varies from one college to another. However, universally, coaches are looking for athletes with strong teamwork skills, leadership abilities, academic achievement, and unique cheerleading skills. For many colleges, the cheerleading tryout process includes an evaluation of tumbling skills, stunting abilities, and spirit/sparkle.

Here's a tip: Creating a video showcasing your cheerleading skills can sometimes make a big difference. This can be an effective way for coaches to get a sense of your abilities, especially if they haven't had the chance to see you perform in person. Furthermore, personal interviews and a look into your academic performance often also play a major role in the scholarship decision.

Remember, while being a great cheerleader is certainly a worthy achievement and skill, it is always beneficial to have strong grades and extracurriculars as well. Many colleges not only look for exceptional talent in their athletes but also well-rounded individuals who demonstrate solid academic and personal qualities.

Lastly, it's a good idea to research and reach out to colleges you're interested in to understand their specific cheerleading scholarship criteria and process. Colleges usually have dedicated coaches or team coordinators who handle athletics scholarships. They should be your point of contact for any cheerleading scholarship-related inquiries.

Keep practicing and best of luck with your college journey!