Mead Maverick Cheer Tryouts 2026- 2027

Tryout Information

Thank you for your interest in Mead High School’s Cheerleading Program. Being a part of our program is a significant commitment. Our season runs from May to March and includes performances at football games, basketball games, volleyball games, wrestling matches, assemblies, and select community events. We compete locally at regional competitions, league events, and state competitions. Our program also attends UCA Nationals every other year, with the next Nationals scheduled for the 2027–2028 season.

We plan on having both a Varsity and a JV team for the upcoming year. Cuts will be made as necessary for both teams.

More program information, updates, and registration details can be found in the tryout packet below and in the Mead Cheer Tryout Information. If you have any questions before the informational meeting, please email us at gray_samantha@svvsd.org.

Cheers,
Coaching Staff

IMPORTANT TRYOUT DATES

PROGRAM INFORMATIONAL MEETING
Tuesday, March 24th - 5:00 PM, E130 at Mead High School

Both athletes and parents should attend.

TRYOUT WEEK SCHEDULE

Tuesday, April 7th: Clinic 4:30-6:30 PM, Mead High School Cafeteria
Wednesday, April 8th: Clinic 4:30-6:30 PM, Mead High School Cafeteria
Thursday, April 9th: Clinic 4:30-6:30 PM, Mead High School Cafeteria
Friday, April 10th: Small Group Skill Tryouts 4:30-7:00 PM, Mead High Cafeteria
Results will be emailed out on Saturday, April 11th

Tryout Attire

White, black, or burnt orange top (no Mead Cheer gear)
White, black, or burnt orange shorts
Natural makeup
Hair up (bow optional)
Cheer or athletic shoes

All tryout week dates (April 7th -10th) are mandatory. If you cannot attend the final tryout day due to prior commitments, you may submit a video tryout. Please contact Coach Sam ASAP if this applies to you. It is essential to attend as many Tryout Clinics and tryout days as possible so the coaches can see your skills in person and observe how you work with other athletes.

TRYOUT CHECKLIST

Due April 8th, 1st Day of Tryouts

Refer to the “Tryout Paperwork” page for all contracts.

Current physical on file with the school (DO NOT turn this into the coaches!).
Grade Report
Two Teacher recommendations
Spirit Athlete Contract – Signed by parent and athlete.
Spirit Parent Contract – Signed by all parents/guardians.

SQUAD SELECTION AND REQUIREMENTS

Our goal is to select athletes who meet our athletic standards, are coachable, work well in a team environment, and represent our program positively.

Tryouts include three days of learning material as well as formal evaluations of each skill set. Athletes will be evaluated on the following: game day presence, dance, sideline, jumps, tumbling difficulty and technique, stunting difficulty and technique, teacher recommendations, and an interview.

A breakdown of the score sheet can be found here: Tryout Score Sheet.

Varsity Team

We are looking for athletes who can fly or base, perform liberties, full ups, and full downs. Tumbling with a round-off is required, and back handsprings and tucks are preferred. Only 15–28 athletes will be selected. Solid execution and technique will be heavily rewarded and can outweigh higher difficulty performed with poor execution. We are seeking athletes with strong skill knowledge, a strong work ethic, and the ability to adapt to choreography changes. Versatility and coachability are essential.

The Varsity team will cheer at all home and away Varsity football games, all home Varsity basketball games (boys and girls), and other school events. Members will also compete on the competitive Game Day team. Only 15–16 members will be selected for the Traditional Competition team, with alternates ready to step in when needed.

Competition spots will be determined throughout the season based on team needs to perform at the highest level. Alternates may replace team members at any time.

JV Team

The JV team is for athletes with a positive attitude and a willingness to learn. This team focuses on developing strong fundamentals, teamwork, and performance skills. Athletes on JV will cheer at select football and basketball games and participate in local competitions. JV members will have opportunities to progress their skills toward Varsity-level stunts, tumbling, and game day routines.

FINANCIAL OBLIGATIONS

Cheerleading is an investment, and costs can add up. Below are the estimated fees for the 2025-2026 season based on last year’s expenses. Fundraising money will be used to help purchase new props needed for the team.

Varsity Cheer Expenses

These are rough estimates. Cheerleaders and their families are responsible for all associated costs.

Item / FeesPriceNotes

White Poms (same as 2025)- $45 - Paid by cheerleader through Varsity
Orange Poms (new set)- $45- Paid by cheerleader through Varsity
Warm-ups (same as 2025) $250- Paid by cheerleader through Varsity
Bag (same as 2025) $65- Paid by cheerleader through Varsity
Orange Uniform (same as 2025) $175 - Paid by cheerleader through Varsity
White Uniform (new) $175- Paid by cheerleader through Varsity
Competition Fee per routine*$100
Choreography per routine*$200
Traditional Masters Camp $500 Paid by cheerleader through Varsity
Summer Stunt Clinic - $50
Home Camp for those not attending Masters camp - $300
4 T-shirts$150- Paid by cheerleader through BSN
Bows $60

This year’s program will also include a weekly gymnastics and stunting class, which cheerleaders are responsible for paying. The class will be held at Mead High School and led by a contracted stunt and tumbling coach. The cost is $25 per week, and all payments should be made directly to Stephanie.

Traditional Cheer Team: Wednesdays
All Other Athletes: Tuesdays

JV Cheer Expenses

These are rough estimates. Cheerleaders and their families are responsible for all associated costs.

Item / FeesPriceNotes

White Uniform (new)$175 Paid by cheerleader through Varsity

Orange Poms (new set) $45 Paid by cheerleader through Varsity

Warm-ups $250 Paid by cheerleader through Varsity; same as Varsity

Bag $65 Paid by cheerleader through Varsity

4 T-shirts$150 Paid by cheerleader through BSN

Bows $60

Traditional Masters Camp$300Paid by cheerleader through Varsity

Competition Fee $50

Competition Props and Music $50 Includes necessary props for competitions

Items To buy on own that are Required

1. Two pairs of black spandex

2. Two Sports bras

3. Black shorts

4. Grey Shorts

5. Black Skort

6. Black leggings

7. Black Sweatsuit set - once purched Sam and Kim will add cricut vinyl

7. Cheer Shoes (in the past we have used the Nike brand) This year we are asking that you buy a

pair of White Cheer shoes. We recommend either Nike, Varsity or Nfinity.

SCHEDULE AND COMMITMENTS

Being a member of the Mead Cheer program is a significant time commitment. A detailed practice and competition schedule will be provided in the 2026–2027 calendar.

Team Practice Commitments:

Varsity Traditional Team: 5 days per week
Varsity Game Day Team: 3–4 days per week
Junior Varsity Team: 2–3 days per week

Teams practice from May through January, with Varsity continuing into early February. Camp and choreography are mandatory.

Key Summer Commitments:

Cheer Master Camp: June 15 – 16, Fort Collins
Varsity Traditional Choreography: July 31 – August 1
Varsity Game Day Choreography: July 10 – 11
JV Game Day Choreography: August 7 – 8

Attendance & Blackout Dates:
Athletes must attend all practices during the competition season (October through February) to be placed in routines. Absences may result in removal from sections of the routine or sitting out competitions. Consistent absences may lead to removal from the team.

Please be ready to go at 4:30 PM in an athletic T-shirt and shorts with hair up and no jewelry and no long or acrylic nails.

If you have any questions or concerns please reach out to Coach Samantha Gray at gray_samantha@svvsd.org.