Welcome to the home of the University of West Alabama Cheerleading and Mascot Programs! Our teams proudly represent UWA by promoting spirit, elevating game-day energy, and serving as spirited ambassadors for the University both on and off campus.
The UWA Cheer program is made up of three co-ed squads—a sideline football squad, a sideline basketball squad, and a competition squad. Sideline Cheerleaders bring the excitement to every home football game in Tiger Stadium and every home basketball game in Pruitt Hall. They also travel to select away football games, GSC basketball tournaments, NCAA postseason events, and make special appearances at additional UWA Athletics events, including volleyball, soccer, and rodeo.
Beyond athletics, UWA Cheerleaders and Mascots are dedicated to supporting the University and the Livingston community. They take part in pre-game pep rallies, campus events, community engagements, and spirit appearances throughout Livingston and surrounding areas.
Each year, all UWA Cheerleaders and Mascots attend NCA Summer Camp at the University of Louisville to build skills, strengthen teamwork, and prepare for the season ahead. Our Competition Squad proudly represents UWA on the national stage, competing in the Cheer Spirit Rally division at the prestigious NCA College Nationals in Daytona Beach.
At UWA, we are committed to excellence, leadership, and spirit—and we can’t wait to welcome the next generation of Tigers to our tradition-rich program.
Upcoming UWA Cheer Clinics
The University of West Alabama Cheer Program is excited to host two exclusive Spring Clinics designed for motivated athletes ready to take their skills to the next level. These clinics are the perfect chance to showcase your talent, sharpen technique, and gain meaningful practice reps outside of your regular training schedule. Attending a clinic is the best way to get seen by our coaching staff and to open the door for future recruitment opportunities. All Spring clinics are limited to high school juniors and seniors, as well as current college students, ensuring a focused and competitive training environment. Join us and take your next step toward becoming a part of the UWA Spirit tradition!
Clinic Dates:
- Sunday, February 1, 2026
- Sunday, March 8, 2026
Registration:
Follow @UWA_Cheer on Instagram and Facebook for updates and to be the first to know when registration goes live. We’ll post the registration links in both our Instagram and Facebook bios.
Cheerleading Skill Requirements
Female Skill Requirements
| Standing Tumbling | Running Tumbling | Group Stunt Skills | COED Stunt Skills | Baskets (Flyers) | Jumps |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Back Handspring (required) Tuck (preferred) | Back Handspring (required) Roundoff Back Handspring Tuck + (preferred) | Quick Toss Platform Single-Leg Platform Full-Up Corkscrew Dismount | Walk-In Toss to Hands | Toe Touch Basket (required) Tuck Basket (preferred) | Toe Touch L or R Hurdler Pike |
Male Skill Requirements
| Standing Tumbling | Running Tumbling | Group Stunt Skills | COED Stunt Skills | Jumps |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Back Handspring (preferred) Tuck (preferred) | Back Handspring (preferred) Roundoff Back Handspring Tuck + (preferred) | Quick Toss Platform Single-Leg Platform Full-Up Corkscrew Dismount | Walk-In Toss to Prep Hands (required) Toss to Extension (preferred) | Toe Touch L or R Hurdler Pike |
Cheer Tryout Information
In order to be considered for the 2026-2027 UWA Cheerleading Squad, you must complete the following checklist and be invited to tryouts on Saturday, May 9th, 2026.
Checklist
- Completed Tryout Packet (link below)
- Tryout Packet name: “FirstNameLastName – Tryout Packet”
- First Year/Transfers include acceptance letter to the University of West Alabama
- Tryout Video (Mandatory)
- Self-Introduction (name, current school, hometown, age, position)
- Skills: Listed under skill requirements above; show all skills you have
- Jumps
- Standing Tumbling
- Running Tumbling
- Stunts
- UWA Fight Song (Twice through with tumbling and pom/meg use)
- Create-Your-Own Chant (3 times through with props (sign, megs, poms)
- A letter of recommendation from a previous cheerleading coach or teacher*
- A copy of your driver’s license (Front & Back)*
- A copy of current UWA student ID (if applicable)
- A copy of your insurance card(s) (Front & Back)*
- A headshot/picture of participant
*Those trying out for the 2026/2027 team that were on the 2025/2026 team do not need a letter of recommendation or copies of the ID/insurance.
All above information is due to cheer@uwa.edu by May 1st, 2026 at 5:00pm.
- Email Subject Line: “First Name Last Name, UWA Cheer Tryouts”
- Once submitted, you will receive notification from a UWA Cheerleading staff member about next steps.
Tryout Packet
Interviews
After submitting your completed tryout packet, you will be contacted to schedule the interview portion of your tryout. Please dress in professional attire.
Tryout Attire
Females
Fitted plain white shirt/tank, black athletic shorts, cheer shoes, Game Day hair (ribbon included) and makeup
Males
Athletic plain white shirt, black athletic shorts, cheer/tennis shoes, neat hair/facial hair
Material Requirements
- UWA Fight Song (with tumbling)
- Create-Your-Own Chant
- Must perform your chant 3x through with props (poms/signs/meg/etc.)
Tryout Results
- Results for tryouts will be posted on the gym door immediately following the conclusion of tryouts.
- Varsity fittings will be immediately after results are posted.
- Be prepared to stay for a Varsity fitting and team meeting at the conclusion of tryouts.
Please contact the cheer coach at (937) 926-4314 or tward@uwa.edu with any questions.
LUie the Tiger
For over 50 years, LUie has roamed the sidelines at UWA athletic challenges! He can also be seen at numerous events across campus as a true ambassador of our UWA community. He loves cheering on the Tiger family both on and off the field.
Request an appearance from Luie
Terms and Conditions
The following terms and conditions apply to all LUie appearances:
- LUie does not do private events (e.g., weddings, birthday parties) or any promotional events. All events must be sponsored by The University of West Alabama or approved through the Office of Student Activities at UWA.
- A minimum of two (2) weeks notice must be met for all requests for LUie to appear.
- A private and lockable place for LUie to change must be provided if the appearance is outside of the Livingston area.
- Requests are not guaranteed. A confirmation email will be sent to verify the request.
For assistance, please email tward@uwa.edu.
UWA Cheerleading and Mascot Frequently Asked Questions
Football: 16-20
Basketball: 12-16
Competition: 20-30
Yes, but you must be accepted to UWA.
No, tryouts will be closed to the public.
Yes, but there are a limited number available. You can receive a scholarship per semester. Not all chosen to be on the team are awarded a scholarship. Scholarships are awarded at the discrepancy of the head coach.
Everyone on the squad must maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.50 or higher to remain on the team. To try out for the team, you must have a cumulative GPA of 2.50 or higher and be accepted to UWA. If you are conditionally accepted, you can make the team but must be unconditionally accepted by the end of the summer to participate with the team.
Tryouts are held on campus in Hughes Gym.
No, however appropriate appearance and build are important to the safety of the person.
The squad is selected based on the requirements and ability to represent UWA. This is done by the coaching staff and administration.
Yes, there will be some mandatory practices in the months of May-July.
The cheerleading program is responsible for nearly all travel and practice attire costs. ALL cheerleaders will be required to participate in fundraisers to help with additional costs/fees.
Yes, but it must be a flexible employer as team commitment is a priority.
Yes, but team commitment is a priority.
- Football
- Men’s Basketball
- Women’s Basketball
- Volleyball
Yes, there is a travel team that will cheer at selected away football games and the GSC men’s & women’s conference basketball tournament plus any post-season play.
Yes, there are many appearances throughout the year that the cheerleaders are required to attend.
All academic rules and tryout rules above apply to mascot tryouts. Tryout day: mascots will try out after cheerleader tryouts are complete. You must come with a 1-minute routine including props, music and anything else you may need. Mascot tryouts are performed in front of all cheerleading tryout participants. Height minimum applies.