USC Upstate will host tryouts for the 2021-22 Spartans Cheerleading squad on Saturday, May 1 and Sunday, May 2 inside the G. B. Hodge Center on the USC Upstate campus (365 Hodge Drive).  Tryouts will begin at 1:00 pm on Saturday.

"We are excited to embark on our second year leading the cheerleading program at Upstate," said head cheerleading coach Lynsey Hoppes.  "Last year was a tremendous challenge in dealing with changing schedules and protocols, but we learned a lot about our team and ourselves," said Hoppes, who is assisted by her husband Peyton. "With the experience of last year behind us, we are looking forward to a more normal experience for our team this year!"

Tryout participation is capped at 48 people due to COVID-19 social distancing protocols.  All those interested in participating must complete this Tryout Application (Google Doc link) by 7:00 pm, Friday, April 23 to ensure capacity for the event is not exceeded.

Below are COVID-19 regulations pertaining to all participants:

* Masks will be worn at all times.
* ALL tryout participants must provide negative COVID test result at tryouts from test collected April 28th, 29th, or 30th.
* Testing not required if 2 weeks past full vaccination (bring vaccination card).
* Negative test results MUST be presented at the tryout. The downloadable PDF test result showing your name and negative result must be printed and presented at check-in.  Anyone with a positive test result will not be able to attend the tryout. 
Additional Tryout Requirements:

• You must be enrolled as a full-time student (12 hours minimum) for the academic year(s) you intend to be on the team OR
• For incoming freshmen, you must commit to attend USC Upstate for the 2020-21 academic year.  Please contact Enrollment Services for application information.
• Members are expected to maintain a minimum 2.0 GPA.
• Cheerleading experience is recommended.
• With your tryout, please bring the following:  Printed negative COVID-19 test result, Completed online Tryout Application (see link above), printed and signed Team Rules and Waiver Form (see link above to download)

Skill Requirements:
No minimum skill requirement to tryout, both men and women are welcome.
Tryouts will be evaluated on:

• Jumps
• Group or partner stunts
• Tumbling
• Cheer
• Collegiate Image

What to Wear:
Athletic shorts (no spandex), Athletic fitting shirt-either Upstate branded or school colors, cheer shoes or tennis shoes, game day makeup, hair pulled back, nails cut short.

Attendance Requirements:
**All participants must be present for all days of the tryout process.**

For additional questions, please email head coach Lynsey Hoppes at LHoppes@uscupstate.edu.