Tryout Information

Thank you for your interest in Arkansas Tech University's Spirit Squads! Please checkout the information below regarding the ATU Cheer and Dance tryout process for the 2026-2027 teams.

You will find any updates regarding tryouts and requirements here as well as on our social media. Should you have any questions, please contact:

Coach Krystal Shipp by phone 479-264-2927 or by email kshipp1@atu.edu

ATU Cheer

Round 1: Video Submissions due by March 20, 2026 *EMAIL to kshipp1@atu.edu
Round 2: Live Tryout April 4, 2026 *Applicants will be notified via email after Round 1 if they have been invited to participate in Round 2 of the tryout process. Details for the final round of tryouts will only be sent to those receiving a callback email.

Click to submit a tryout application: www.atucheer.com

ATU Dance

Round 1: Video Submissions due by March 20, 2026 *EMAIL to kshipp1@atu.edu
Round 2: Live Tryout April 4, 2026 *Applicants will be notified via email after Round 1 if they have been invited to participate in Round 2 of the tryout process. Details for the final round of tryouts will only be sent to those receiving a callback email.

Click below to submit the tryout application form: www.arkansastechspiritsquads.com

Important CHeer Tryout information

Tech Cheer Fight Song Video (female)

Tech Cheer Fight Song- MALE Stunting (male)

Tech Cheer Chant (1) Video (female &male)

Chant (2) Females Only

Chant (3) Females

Spirit Squad Overview

The Arkansas Tech University Spirit Squads consists of two teams: Tech Cheer Team and Dance Team. Both teams support all athletic programs and cheer/dance on the sidelines for football, men’s basketball, women’s basketball, and volleyball. Being a member of the spirit squads is full year commitment. Selection of these members will be at the coach’s discretion and scores based on tryout performance each year.

Scholarships

Cheer – Scholarship Members (plus non-scholarship alternate positions)
Dance – Scholarship Members (plus non-scholarship alternate positions)
*Exact numbers and breakdown will vary year-by-year

Scholarships are awarded to members of Cheer team and members of Dance Team members who are in good academic standing after each semester. Alternates are not awarded scholarships but have the opportunity to gain the scholarship if we lose a scholarship member. Scholarships are based on skill set, attitude, work ethic, and grades for returners. Scholarships are not settled until August after all summer work weeks and camp. Scholarships are set at coaches' discretion and are not guaranteed semester to semester.

Cheer & Dance

Cheer - $725 per semester
Dance - $725 per semester

Academics

Students must be enrolled in and pass at least 12 hours per semester. Must have a 2.3 cumulative and semester GPA. Students that fail to meet the cumulative GPA standards will be removed from the team. Students who meet the cumulative GPA but not the semester GPA requirement will be on probation with extra study hours and loss of some performance privileges.

Uniforms and Apparel

Uniforms are provided and returned at the end of each year to be reissued each fall. Sponsored athletic practice attire & shoes are also awarded each fall and capable of being kept by each student upon completion of the year.

Program Benefits

Palm Beach Tanning Membership

Arkansas Twisters All-Star Open Gym

Tech Fit on campus Gym Membership

Priority registration for classes

Over $500 in official ATU Spirit Apparel

And much more!