Expert: James - 11/24/2008

Question
Hi,
I am a gymnast and have been involved with the sport for seven years.  As much as I would love to continue in this sport during my college years, a solid Christian education is priority in my life.  There are no Christian colleges that offer gymnastics at my level.  I would, however, like to participate in an athletic program while in college.  I have never had an opportunity to learn cheerleading as my gym here does not offer it, but I would love to learn.  I am currently a level 7 competitive gymnast with good dance and tumbling skills.  I can do standing tumbling and am very flexible.  Do you think I would have a chance at getting on a college cheer team?  How difficult would it be for me to make the switch from gymnastics to cheer?

Also, if you have any tips or exercises that would help me in cheerleading, I would love to hear them!

Thanks!

Hannah

Answer
This is a different variation on a question I get a good bit. As you may have read in some of my past answers it depends on the university. Some elite cheerleading squads have tumblers and stunters.  If you tried out for one of those squads due to lack of stunting experience you'd definitely want to try out to be a tumbler. Most colleges & universities though don't have separate. The fact that you are a very experienced gymnast will without a doubt give you no problem for the tumbling portion. So what you need to do is find a guy and learn to partner stunt. Once you get that down you should have no problem given your gymnastics background.