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READY TO BE A TITAN?
The Illinois Wesleyan University Spirit Squad is always looking for talented, driven student-athletes who want to make a positive impact on our Cheer and Dance teams!
This page includes everything you need to know about becoming an IWU Cheerleader or Dancer — from recruiting timelines to the steps you should be taking now to be considered for our roster. We’re excited to connect with athletes who are passionate about performance, teamwork, and representing Titan Pride at the collegiate level.
RECRUITING TIMELINE
With the transition of our Spirit Squad program to operate under the Illinois Wesleyan University Athletic Department in March 2025, we have adopted a recruiting model for team selection alongside our traditional in-person tryouts.
Under this new structure, athletes have the opportunity to sign a Letter of Intent, officially committing to our Spirit Squad and securing a spot on an upcoming roster. The signing period for the 2026–2027 Spirit Squad will open in November. However, prospective athletes are encouraged to submit their recruiting questionnaire at any time to begin the evaluation and recruiting process.
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FRESHMAN, SOPHOMORES, JUNIORS
This is the time to start doing your research and thinking about what you want in a college experience — both academically and athletically.
What You Should Be Doing Now:
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Attend Camps & Clinics to build skills and gain exposure
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Submit your Recruiting Questionnaire to begin the evaluation process
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Connect with IWU Coaches to get on our radar — let us know about upcoming competitions or events where we can see you perform
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Set yourself up for academic success — IWU is looking for applicants with a minimum 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale
SUMMER GOING IN TO SENIOR YEAR
At this point, you should be narrowing your search down to a few final schools and taking important next steps in the recruiting process.
What You Should Be Doing Now:
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Resubmit your Recruiting Questionnaire with updated information
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Apply to Illinois Wesleyan University
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Begin gathering video clips to create your Official Recruit Video
FALL OF SENIOR YEAR
This is when you should be making your final decision and completing the final steps to secure your roster spot.
What You Should Be Doing Now:
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Continue attending Camps & Clinics to stay sharp and maintain connections with our current roster and coaching staff
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Submit your Official Recruit Video and Reference
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Schedule an official visit to Illinois Wesleyan University
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Sign your Letter of Intent!
(if offered a spot on our upcoming roster)
WHAT DOES
IT TAKE?
When selecting our roster, we look for athletes who not only excel athletically but also embody the values and culture of the IWU Spirit Squad. We take pride in building a team that celebrates diversity and inclusion and represents Illinois Wesleyan University with pride, energy, and leadership both on the sidelines and in the community.
WHO YOU ARE:
Your character is the most important factor in becoming a member of the IWU Spirit Squad. As a Titan Spirit Squad athlete, you are an ambassador for Illinois Wesleyan University — representing our program and University with pride on the sidelines, in the classroom, and in the community.
We operate our program on a core set of values, and we are looking for athletes who will uphold these standards, even when no one is watching. The ideal candidate is athletically skilled, coachable, respectful, and a supportive teammate, with the determination and work ethic to help make our program as successful as possible. You take full advantage of your four years on the team, putting the team first, embracing every opportunity, and striving to grow every single day.
One Team. One Spirit. Go Titans.
IN YOUR SKILL SET
DANCE TEAM:
We want to see a strong foundation of technique and performance skills, including tilts, leg holds, and high kicks. Preferred skills include double pirouettes, leaps (regular right, right center, calypso), jumps (firebird, toe touch), and other tricks that showcase athleticism and versatility.
We are specifically looking for dancers with experience and strong technique in Pom and Jazz styles, as these are core to our team’s performance aesthetic.
In addition to technical ability, we are looking for dancers with a strong sideline presence, sharp motions, and the ability to engage and energize the crowd.
CHEER TEAM:
We want to see a solid foundation of fundamental game day stunts, including straight-up extensions, full-ups, shoulder stands, and one-man skills.
In your execution of these skills, we are looking for stability, sharp technique, and the ability to hold these positions confidently at full extension.
For tumbling, we prefer standing tucks and running back handspring-tucks. Any additional specialty skills—like handspring-fulls, arabians, whips, or other advanced passes—are a great way to stand out.
Above all, we are looking for athletes with a strong sideline presence, sharp motions, and the ability to contribute to a dynamic, energetic team culture.