1. Are there scholarships available?
Yes. Scholarship varies in amount from year to year according to seniority on team, academic standing, attitude, and athletic ability. All scholarships are based off a general in state student taking 12 credit hours. Generally 24 scholarships are given ranging from $500 - $4,000 per semester (Fall & Spring only). An additional $500 per semester may be awarded to an out of state student. Scholarships increase yearly.
2. Can High School Seniors Tryout?
Yes, but you must be accepted for enrollment at the University of South Alabama prior to tryouts.
3. What should I wear for tryouts?
You must wear athletic attire, including shoes. Females do not wear baggy or loose fitting clothing. Cap sleeve fitted shirts, tank tops or sports tops are acceptable. Shirts must be tucked in. Hair & makeup should be fixed. Males please no facial hair. NO OTHER COLLEGE LOGOS WILL BE ALLOWED!
4. Can my friends & family come watch tryouts?
NO! Tryouts are closed to the public for all spirit squad tryouts including mascot tryouts.
5. Are there height and weight requirements?
No. However, flyers must be an appropriate fitness level such that they can be lifted, held, thrown, and caught safely, in addition to male & female bases must also be of appropriate fitness level such that they can lift, hold, throw, & catch flyers safely. Mascots must meet the current SouthPaw & Miss Pawla character body type.
6. Will I be required to attend cheerleading & mascot camp?
Yes, the South Alabama Cheerleaders & Mascots attend UCA College Camp at the University of Alabama each summer, typically in July.
7. Do we compete?
Yes, the South Alabama Cheerleaders & SouthPaw compete at the UCA College Cheerleading National Championships in Orlando, Fla., or the NCA College National Championships in Daytona, Fla.
8. Does the team have to fundraise?
Yes! The team is responsible for raising the money needed to attend Camp & Nationals each year. This ranges from $1,000 - $2,000 per person.
9. Do I have to pay for my uniforms or practice clothes?
No! The University of South Alabama Athletic Department provides all uniforms & practice attire for cheer & mascots.
10. Do I get to keep my uniforms and/or practice attire?
No & Yes! All uniforms, bags, and warm-ups are to be returned each year unless a graduating senior, in which case he or she may keep warm-ups and bags. All practice clothes, shoes, and poms you may keep each year.
11. How often do we practice?
The team practices 2-4 days per week and has team workouts 2-3 days per week. Practice & workout times may vary, and are always subject to change.
12. What athletic teams do we cheer for?
The South Alabama Cheerleaders & Mascots cheer for football, volleyball, & men’s and women’s basketball teams. Other athletic team events may be scheduled accordingly. Mascots also attend all home soccer, softball and baseball games.
13. Are practices held during the summer?
Yes. Dates will be given after tryouts.
14. Can I have a job or participate in Greek life and still cheer/mascot?
Yes, but your employer/fraternity/sorority must be willing to be flexible. Other than class, cheerleading & mascot is your first priority.
15. Does the team travel?
Yes, travel opportunities are available for away football games & conference championship basketball games based on seniority.
