Frequently Asked Questions

The best way to receive the most up to date information is to visit the spirit website email cardinalspirit@uiwtx.edu, or call (210) 283-6406. You can also visit all social media @UIWSpirit

The co-ed cheerleading team will have 16-24 members. The dance team will have 10-16 members.

Scholarships are available. $750 a semester (Fall '20 and Spr '21) will be awarded to members.

Members usually spend about 12 hours a week in practice, not including games, performances, appearances, etc. A mandatory specialized practice may also be required for cheer and dance, depending on the skill level of the members (i.e. tumbling class, technique class, etc.)

UIW Spirit performs at home events for volleyball, football, women’s and men’s basketball, occasional women’s and men’s soccer, school functions, and outside appearances. Occasional out of town games or tournaments may become mandatory.

UIW Spirit team members will receive free Adidas practice gear, shoes, bows, etc. Uniforms will be issued and returned at the end of the year. Members who quit or removed after the fall will be responsible to pay for any issued items. Competition will have to be fundraised.

No! Simply mail your completed application material and fee to:

UIW Spirit Program
UIW Athletics
CPO 440
4301 Broadway
San Antonio, TX 78209

If you cannot attend please contact the coach.

For specific dates see the Tryout Information page. Cheer Tryouts Dance Tryouts

Tumbling: back handspring, standing series, jumps to a back handspring, running series, standing and running tuck variations, specialty passes
Girl’s stunting: Flyers: One-legged stunts (all variations), full down, switch up/ticktock, full down from all positions
Bases: Advanced knowledge of all positions (main, side and back spot)
Boy’s tumbling: Not required but helpful.
Boy’s stunting: single base or group stunt

We do not have a height and weight requirement but we do require all members to maintain a good physique in order to participate in such a demanding sport.

Red the Cardinal must not be shorter than 5'6" and not taller than 6'2". Weight is not a factor as long as the member looks good in the costume and able to execute all requirements in the suit.

For safety, we always practice on mats, especially when attempting new skills. For tryouts, we will have mats out so we can safely stunt and help eliminate the risk of anyone being injured during the tryout process. However, since majority of our sports are on gym floor, you WILL be asked to attempt certain skills on the gym floor.

Mascot interest should be directed to the coach.

The UIW Cheerleaders will attend a mandatory NCA/NDA collegiate camp in the summer. There will be one weekend practice in June and the week before camp. Dance team will attend a dance intensive in July.

It is best to take the 1st summer session to not interrupt practices and camp during 2nd session.

There will be a weekend practice in June. Practices will begin one week before camp. Practice starts again the week before school begins. Fall practice starts the week before school beings. Once the fall semester begins, UIW Spirit members are considered student-athletes and any vacations MUST be cleared through the coach prior. Final exams are in December but UIW Spirit members will continue to cheer and dance during the winter break. Members will return to practice a week before school begins in early January.

Spring break varies year to year due to competition or the NCAA tournament. DO NOT make plans until dates for practice or NCAA Tournament have been set.

Competition is determined by team size and coaches review. UIW Spirit may attend the NCA/NDA Collegiate Nationals in Daytona Beach, FL in April or a smaller competition.

No. Competition team is chosen from the current team and tryout for the team will be by invitation only.

All practices are run by the coaching staff, strength and conditioning coach and captains.

Call the office at (210) 283-6406, or email cardinalspirit@uiwtx.edu.