Expert: James - 12/10/2009

Question
I am a senior in high school and have always been a base on my all-girl team. I am planning on cheering in college, I have all the required tumbling and I just started working on partner stunts at a college gym. I am 5'3 1/2" and about 112 pounds, my base assures me that I would definitely be able to cheer on a co-ed team in college since I have been progressing extremely fast. but I was wondering with my height/weight if you think I would have any chance at cheering on a more elite college team (such as UCF, Louisville, Florida State etc.) All of the girls seem to be no more than 5'1/105lbs! What do you think?

Answer
I'm gonna be honest, I get this question ALOT. But most of the cheerleaders who ask it aren't as close as what you are to being at that size. I'm not too familiar with UCF & Florida State's cheerleading programs but I am with Louisville and you're right, their flyers are tiny. An extreme example is one friend of mine who was a flyer for Louisville, she is 4'6 and 65lbs..lol..granted she was by far the smallest. I dont think the 112lbs is really a problem b/c unless its already complete muscle you could probably shed down to 109 safely. THe thing that would honestly worry me would be the height. If you're being 100% honest (i half jokingly say that b/c my female cheerleading friends usually like to say they are shorter than they are to make themselves sound more "cheerleader tiny") 5'3 & 1/2 definietly wouldnt disqualify you from most universities. In an extreme case like Louisville it might. I'm pretty sure Kentucky wouldnt as I knew a girl who was legit 5'3 got picked there. I know I'm rambling a bit but the point is Except for maybe 1 or 2 schools in the country I think you're small enough that your tryout would be based on pure talent. One thing I'd suggest when you get a small list of schools you're interested in narrowed down is go to their official website, go to the athletics section and get the cheerleading coaches email. They're always happy to answer quick questions like "is this a requirement" b/c they want the best possible athletes to come into their program.