Pom Squad Recruitment

 

Prospective Member, 
 
Thank you for your interest in becoming a member of the Texas Tech Pom Squad, the official dance team of Texas Tech University! We are a part of the Texas Tech Spirit Program, which also consists of the Co-Ed Cheerleading Squad, All-Girl Cheerleading Squad, Raider Red, and the Masked Rider.  Our team serves as ambassadors for Texas Tech University and helps promote spirit at several athletic events.  Our team members will also compete at the UDA Collegiate Championships in 2024. 
 
We are looking for confident, talented, humble, dedicated, and passionate dancers to be a part of our 2024-2025 team. Squad members are responsible for representing Texas Tech in the classroom, on the court/field, and on stage at the national level.  Being a member of our team comes with several exciting opportunities and benefits but is also a major commitment.  Please review the materials and requirements thoroughly.  
 
We are in our second year operating with a recruiting-based model for the team selection process. Please read the information below to understand how the process works.  If you are serious about attending Texas Tech University, you must fill out the recruitment form to be considered.  If you have any additional questions, please e-mail our Head Coach, Erin Alvarado at erin.harold@ttu.edu. 
 
This is a life-changing opportunity, and we are excited about the possibility of having you in our program.  We are excited to learn more about you and watch you dance! 
 
Wreck ‘Em, 
 
Erin Alvarado
Head Coach, Texas Tech Pom Squad 
Erin.harold@ttu.edu

 

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Recruitment Process:

• Step 1: 
  Complete the Recruitment Form 
  Submit Videos (Class of 2024)
   
• Step 2: 
  Work with us in person!  This can include a campus tour or a clinic/recruiting event. Click here for more information on our camps and clinic dates: 
   
• Step 3: 
  Follow us on social media & stay up-to-date with our team! 
   
  Instagram: @TTUPom 
  Twitter: @TTUPom 
  Facebook: @TexasTechPomSquad 

Timeline:

• Sophomore/Junior Year of High School: Prospective candidate emails coaching staff expressing interest in the program. Attendance at clinics & training camps are strongly recommended. 
   
• Aril 1 of Junior Year - September 1 of Senior Year: Complete the Recruitment Form & secure requirements. Attendance at clinics is strongly recommended. 
   
• Senior Year, Fall (or Fall for current college students): Apply to Texas Tech University
   
• September 1-Spring 2024 – Coaching Staff Evaluation Period 
   
• January 1-End of March: Coaching Staff extends offers for positions on the Texas Tech Pom Squad. 

 

Video Requirements: 

• Video #1 (Required):
  • Introduction:
    • Name, Hometown
    • Why do you want to attend Texas Tech University and what is your intended major?
    • Why do you want to be a member of our team?
    • Why do you think you are a good candidate?
  • Technique Requirements:
    
    • Quint+ Pirouette (Right)
    • A Le Seconde Turn Combination Video Here
    • Leap in Second 
    • Any Switch Variation of Choice 
    • Toe Touch 
    • Front & Back Walkover (either side)
    • Side Aerial (Both Right & Left) 
    • Kip Up
    • Headspring
  • Dancer Specific Technique: 
    
    • Extension of Choice (must hold for 8 counts)
    • Any Leg Hold Turn 
    • Dancer's Choice of A La Seconde Turn Combination 
    • Dancer's Choice of Pirouette Combination 
    • Any Additional Jumps/Flexibility Skills
    • Any Additional Acro Skills 
  • Combinations:
    
    • 1 Minute Jazz or Contemporary Combination (of your choice)
    • 30 Second Pom Combination (of your choice)
    • 30 Second Hip Hop Combination (of your choice)

*Combinations should showcase style, musicality, and technical ability.

• Video #2 (Required):
  
  • This video can be a solo or any additional dance footage of your choice.  
  • Second video should be no longer than 3 minutes total in length. 
• General Video Notes: 
  
  • Videos do not need to be professionally edited. 
  • Consider lighting and angles so you are easily evaluated. 
  • Attire:
    
    • Black tight-fitting shorts & black sports bra
    • Hair down for introductions
    • Hair pulled back for technique evaluations 
    • Full performance make-up 

 

Recruiting Events:

• May 6-7, 2023: Sharpen Up Summit – Phoenix, Arizona
• May 20-21, 2023: Tribe99 Expo & Dance Combine – Phoenix, Arizona
• June 24-30th: The Dance Awards – Las Vegas, Nevada
• July 15-16th: Streetz Nationals – Orlando, Florida 
• July 20 : Texas Tech Pom Squad Summer Intensive 
• July 20-21st: Texas Tech Pom Squad Recruit Clinic
• August 18-20th: HTX Connect Summit – Houston, Texas
• August 27th: UDA Combine – Southern California  
• TBA: Texas Tech Pom Squad Official Recruitment Weekend (invitation only) 
• Fall 2023 – Fall Clinics (dates TBA)

 

Deadlines:

• 2024 High School Graduates & Transfer Students, Video Submissions Due by November 1, 2023. 
• 2025 High School Graduates & Transfer Students, Video Submissions Due by September 1, 2024. 
• *Should you need an extension please contact erin.harold@ttu.edu directly to discuss the situation. 

 

Recruitment Form