The University of Akron Athletics
Spirit Teams - Cheer and Dance
THE UNIVERSITY OF AKRON SPIRIT TEAMS
The University of Akron Cheer & Dance Teams promote school spirit and pride, performing at every home game for football, men's basketball and women's basketball as well as other scheduled sporting events and appearances each year. Our student-athletes improve and develop as a cheerleaders and/or dancers while maintaining success in their academic careers and become successful outstanding members of our community.
Our purpose is to provide exceptional entertainment at each home game, leading the crowd in cheer and providing electric performances. We raise the atmosphere, level of fan support and lead in a positive way for all our Zips' athletics teams.
We also serve as public relations ambassadors of intercollegiate athletics and The University of Akron. We hold ourselves to the highest standard and uphold the goals and ideals of the University.
In addition, both spirit squads travel to College Nationals each season to compete against the best collegiate cheer & dance teams in the country.
COACHES
Spirit Teams Coordinator | Dance Coach: Lauren Hesley | Email: Zipsdance@uakron.edu
Cheer Coach: Regan Strine | Email: Zipscheer@uakron.edu
TEAM INFORMATION OR RECRUITMENT FOR CHEER AND DANCE TEAMS
Interested in being a part of the Akron Zips cheer and/or dance team or just looking for information?
We are actively recruiting cheer and dance team members for the 2027-2028 school year. Please use the following link to complete a Spirit Team Recruitment Form.
*Dance team is currently using the NDCA common recruiting guidelines. Please go to the National dance coaches association website for details.
We are looking for committed, hardworking student-athletes who are positive school ambassadors, and excel in the sport of cheer and/or dance. Every athlete auditioning for the team will be evaluated on an individual basis to determine their strengths and weaknesses. The coaching staff will make all final decisions on team placements.
ACADEMIC STANDARDS
In order to try out for the team you must:
• Be a fulltime student (minimum of 12 credit hours)
• Maintain the NCAA required GPA
• Be accepted into the University
SPIRIT TEAM MEDICAL WAIVER
Spirit Team Medical Waiver PDF
THE UNIVERSITY OF AKRON CHEER TEAM
PREFERRED SKILLS
The following skills are preferred, but not required, for making the team...
STANDING TUMBLING
Connected Back Handsprings, Strong Standing Tuck with Poms, Handspring(s) to a tuck/layout/full & jump to a back tuck
RUNNING TUMBLING
Back Tuck, Layout, Full and/or combination passes
STUNTING
Stunting experience is important for this level of cheerleading. Little to no experience will not restrict one from making the team, but potential and ability to learn quickly could be a determining factor.
GAME DAY
Cheering at games and events are a big part of what we do on campus. Having a strong presence on the sideline with high energy and strong motion placement is desired.
For more information: Please contact Cheer Coach Regan Strine at rstrine@uakron.edu.
THE UNIVERSITY OF AKRON DANCE TEAM
REQUIRED SKILLS
It is necessary to possess the following skills to dance at the collegiate level and earn a position on The University of Akron Dance Team:
- Right, left, and center leap, turning center leap
- toe touch
- At least a triple pirouette
- Second turns
- Advanced flexibility including flat right and left leg splits
- advanced battements
- Headspring
- kip up
- Strong stage-presence with advanced movement quality and sharp placement.
PREFERRED SKILLS
The following skills are preferred but not required to make The University of Akron Dance team:
- Switch leaps, double toe touch
- Four+ pirouettes and advanced a la secondes (may include reverse spot, starting from pirouette, and multiple float rotations)
- Leg grab turns, leg extensions, standing tilt (no hands)
- Aerial, front aerial, front/back walkovers
GAMEDAY
Dancing at games and events is a large part of what we do which requires high-energy on the sideline, basketball court, or football field. We will be looking for a strong stage-presence with advanced movement quality and sharp placement.
Recruitment Process
- Fill out Akron Recruitment interest form at the top of this page
- Receive email from Coach Lauren
- Send in your common app video
- If chosen to move on to then next round - schedule virtual interviews
- Plan a campus visit for a home game
For more information: Please contact Dance Coach Lauren Hesley at Lhesley@uakron.edu
