Texas Tech University

Join the Spirit Program

Texas Tech Spirit Squads bring together students who represent the university at athletic events, competitions, campus programs and community appearances. Selection processes vary by program. Use the information below to learn about current Cheer, Pom, Raider Red and Masked Rider opportunities.

Cheer

Texas Tech Cheer selects members for its CoEd and All-Girl/Small CoEd squads through a preliminary video round followed by invitation-only, in-person tryouts.

2027-28 Cheer Tryout Timeline

  • January 2027: Tryout application becomes available.
  • Tuesday, April 20, 2027, by 5 p.m. Central: Qualifying skills video and application materials are due.
  • By Friday, April 30, 2027: Invitations for the in-person selection process are sent.
  • May 14-16, 2027: Invitation-only semifinal and final tryouts are held in person.

The live selection process is closed to the public.

General Cheer Requirements

  • Complete the Cheer tryout application when it becomes available.
  • Read and agree to program expectations and policies.
  • Incoming first-year and transfer students must be accepted to Texas Tech for the 2027-28 academic year.
  • Current undergraduate students must be enrolled full time in at least 12 semester hours.
  • Current graduate students must be enrolled in at least 9 semester hours.
  • Current students must have a cumulative and current GPA of at least 2.0.
  • Participants must have current health insurance.
  • A $45 tryout application fee is required. Payment information is sent after the application is received.
  • Applicants must submit the required qualifying skills video by the deadline.

Qualifying Video

Applicants must submit a qualifying skills video as part of the preliminary selection process. Videos should be submitted as a YouTube link rather than an email attachment. Skill expectations differ between the CoEd and All-Girl/Small CoEd squads.

Some athletes may receive a video bypass through designated Texas Tech Cheer clinics. A bypass advances an athlete past the preliminary video round but does not guarantee selection for a squad.

Learn About Texas Tech Cheer

Pom Squad

Texas Tech Pom uses a recruiting-based selection process. Prospective members are encouraged to connect with the program before their senior year, attend clinics and recruiting opportunities and submit required materials during the appropriate recruitment cycle.

About Texas Tech Pom

  • The squad typically includes 24-28 roster positions each year.
  • The team's reported GPA average is 3.71.
  • The full team participates at all home football and men's basketball games.
  • Partial-team coverage is provided at volleyball and women's basketball games.
  • Postseason travel opportunities are available to all members.
  • The team practices three times per week for approximately 10-12 hours total.
  • Members participate in approximately four to six hours of strength and conditioning each week.
  • The team also participates in a weekly 1.5-hour ballet class.

Competition

Texas Tech Pom competes nationally in Division IA Jazz and Pom at UDA College Nationals and has represented the United States in international competition.

  • 2026: U.S. National Pom Team, gold medal
  • 2026: UDA Division IA Pom, silver medal
  • 2022: U.S. National Jazz Team
  • 2022: ICU Jazz, gold medal
  • 2017, 2018 and 2021: NDA National Champions in Jazz
  • 2018, 2019 and 2021: NDA National Champions in Pom

Program Benefits

Program benefits may include:

  • $1,000 scholarship with an out-of-state tuition waiver for eligible students
  • On-campus meal plan
  • Game-day attire
  • Adidas gear
  • NIL opportunities
  • Travel per diem
  • Strength and conditioning coach
  • Specialized athletic trainer
  • Team physician and nutritionist
  • Big 12 game-day experiences
  • Cryotherapy sponsorship
  • Various local business team sponsorships

Program alumni have gone on to professional performance opportunities in Los Angeles and New York City, Norwegian Cruise Line and professional sports organizations including the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders, Kansas City Chiefs Cheerleaders and Houston Texans Cheerleaders.

2027-28 Pom Recruitment

Class of 2027 high school graduates and transfer students must submit required recruiting videos by Sept. 1, 2026. Texas Tech participates in the Common College Dance Team Recruitment Video process and accepts submissions at the early Sept. 1 deadline for this recruiting cycle.

The Class of 2028 interest process is also open for prospective dancers who want to begin connecting with the program.

Recruitment Timeline

  • By Sept. 1, 2026: Class of 2027 high school graduates and transfer students submit the required recruitment application and videos.
  • Sept. 1, 2026-January 2027: Coaching staff evaluation period.
  • Nov. 1, 2026-end of January 2027: Coaching staff may extend offers for positions on the Texas Tech Pom Squad.
  • Sept. 1, 2027: Recruiting video deadline for 2028 high school graduates and transfer students.

Recruitment Process

  1. Express interest. Prospective members may begin communicating with the coaching staff before their senior year and are encouraged to attend clinics and training opportunities.
  2. Complete the recruit interest form. Prospective candidates should provide their information so the coaching staff can begin the recruiting process.
  3. Submit recruiting materials. Senior-year and transfer candidates complete the required candidate information and recruitment video during the applicable recruitment window.
  4. Work with the program in person. Prospective members are encouraged to attend a clinic, recruiting event or other opportunity to work directly with the coaching staff.

Common College Dance Team Recruitment Video

Pom candidates should follow the Common College Dance Team Recruitment Video requirements when preparing their recruiting video. Videos must be submitted through an unlisted YouTube link.

Filming Requirements

  • Film in a well-lit location.
  • Keep your full body visible in the frame.
  • Female candidates should wear a black sports bra or tank top with black shorts.
  • Male candidates should wear all-black attire.

Introduction

The required introduction should be between 30 seconds and three minutes. Include your name, age, hometown, studio or team and a brief dance background. Candidates should also answer:

  • Why do you want to be on a college dance team?
  • Why do you think you would be a good candidate for a college dance team?
  • What is your intended major?

Required Skill Demonstration

Film the required skill demonstration continuously in one take. The turn combination should be a minimum of three eight-counts.

Pirouettes

  • Right triple parallel pirouette
  • Right quadruple parallel pirouette
  • Right quintuple parallel pirouette
  • Left triple parallel pirouette

A la Seconde Turns

Showcase a la seconde turns in a combination. Candidates may incorporate variations such as changing spots, floats, arm and leg positions, speed and pirouettes.

Jumps & Leaps

  • Right leap in second
  • Right turning jete attitude
  • At least two switch leaps using any variation, such as switch leap, switch tilt, switch arabesque or switch center

Flexibility

  • Side tilt extension
  • Penche
  • Leg turn, any variation

Acro

  • Front and back walkover
  • Right and left side aerial

A candidate may repeat a skill if necessary, with no more than two attempts.

Optional Skill Demonstration

Candidates may include up to three minutes of optional advanced skills, including:

  • Front aerial
  • Standing back tuck
  • Back handspring
  • Headspring
  • Kip up
  • Rubberband
  • Scorpion
  • Other advanced specialty skills

Required Style Combinations

Submit three separate combinations demonstrating the following styles:

  • Jazz
  • Pom
  • Hip-hop

Each combination should be between 30 and 45 seconds.

Required Solo

Submit one solo performance in any dance style, with a maximum length of three minutes. The solo may be filmed in a studio or may be a competition performance recorded within six months of submission.

Potential Recruit Interest Form

Prospective Pom Squad members, including Class of 2028 dancers beginning the recruiting process, may use the form below to introduce themselves to the coaching staff.

@instagramname
@twittername
Explain reasons you are interested in our team.
Describe what you're looking for in a college dance team.
Enter name of high school you attend(ed).
*TTU Admission Application Status
*Are you a College Transfer Student
 

Pom Candidate Information Form

Information collected through this form is reviewed throughout the selection process and may also be used for planning and training purposes for new squad members. Candidates should provide complete and accurate information.

Select Squad
Type of Academic Student
Please be honest with answer. This helps us with planning for tutoring sessions and additional academic support.
Have you (or will you) tried out at another university/college for 26-27 season?
*College is a place to learn and grow as an individual and young adult. If you were to make a mistake and questioned on, how do you handle the situation:
*Have you ever QUIT a team mid-season
 

Pom Candidate Evaluation

This evaluation should be completed by an individual serving as a reference for a Pom candidate. Responses are confidential and help the coaching staff evaluate both the candidate's skills and personal attributes.

How long have you known the candidate?
Candidate's Intellectual Capacity
Candidate's Personal & Social Maturity
Candidate's Dependability & Reliability
Candidate's Emotional Maturity
Candidate's Leadership Qualities
Candidate's Character & Integrity
Candidate's Public Speaking Skills
Candidate's Communication Skills
Candidate's Acceptance of Feedback & Instruction
Candidate's Punctuality
In the context of being on a team, this candidate
How does this candidate handle adversity & high stress situations?
Please rate this candidate's overall potential
Given all that you have learned about our program, would you:
 

Questions About Pom Recruitment?

Erin Alvarado
Head Pom Squad Coach
erin.harold@ttu.edu

Learn About Texas Tech Pom

Raider Red

Raider Red is Texas Tech's costumed public relations mascot and represents the university at athletic events, campus programs, public appearances and other university activities.

Candidates must be members of Saddle Tramps or High Riders in good standing and complete the Raider Red selection process.

General Tryout Requirements

  • Be classified as a sophomore or higher.
  • Have completed at least one active year in good standing with Saddle Tramps or High Riders.
  • Maintain an overall and semester GPA of at least 2.5.
  • Be available in Lubbock throughout the summer with reliable housing and transportation.
  • Limit summer school enrollment to no more than three hours per session.
  • Be able to participate in required games, appearances, meetings and Spirit Program activities.
  • Employment and outside activities must not interfere with Raider Red responsibilities.
  • Avoid major leadership commitments within the parent organization during the year of service.

Program Commitment

Serving as Raider Red is a yearlong commitment. Team members may be needed during summer, Thanksgiving break, winter break and spring break in addition to the regular academic year.

Responsibilities may include:

  • Attending football, basketball, volleyball, soccer, baseball and other selected athletic events
  • Representing Texas Tech at university and community appearances
  • Attending weekly Raider Red meetings
  • Participating in postseason athletic events and travel when applicable
  • Supporting Raider Red public relations and social media activities

Current Raider Red tryout dates and application information will be posted here when the next selection process is announced.

Learn About Raider Red

Masked Rider

The Masked Rider is one of Texas Tech's most recognized traditions and serves as a year-round ambassador for the university. Candidates complete an extensive selection process that includes academic and eligibility review, equestrian evaluation, driving evaluation and interviews.

2026-27 Candidate Qualifications

  • Be enrolled at Texas Tech for spring 2026 with at least 45 cumulative credit hours, including at least 12 hours completed in residence at Texas Tech.
  • Undergraduate students must be enrolled in at least 12 semester hours. Graduate students must be enrolled in at least 9 semester hours.
  • Maintain a minimum cumulative Texas Tech GPA of 2.75.
  • Have considerable equestrian experience.
  • Not graduate before May 2027.
  • Plan to remain in Lubbock during the summer following selection.
  • Be willing to accept the year-round public relations responsibilities of the position.
  • Be insurable to drive the Masked Rider truck.
  • Pass a criminal background check.

Masked Rider assistants must also meet applicable program eligibility requirements.

2026-27 Selection Schedule

  • Feb. 23: Information session, 4 p.m., Spirit Program Office lobby, east basement of the Student Union Building.
  • Feb. 24: Riding pattern video and online application due by 5 p.m.
  • March 3: Written equestrian exam, 4 p.m., Spirit Program Office, Room 025.
  • March 8: Final application and references due by 5 p.m.
  • March 9-16: Riding practice at the Livestock Arena.
  • March 24: Equestrian tryouts and driving simulation.
  • March 26: Candidate interviews.
  • April 17: Transfer of Reins and public announcement, 2 p.m., McKenzie-Merket Alumni Center.

Dates and details are subject to change.

Application information will remain available here while the 2026-27 selection cycle is being finalized. Future Masked Rider selection information will replace this schedule when announced.

Learn About the Masked Rider

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