Get to Know the TCU Basketball Cheerleaders

The TCU Basketball Cheerleaders are more than just a pretty face in the crowd. Get to know the women behind the pom poms and see what it takes to be a TCU cheerleader

Introduction

The TCU basketball cheerleaders are a staple at home games providing spirit and support for the team. Comprised of twelve members, the squad performs routines that fire up the crowd and keep energy high throughout the game. Originally all-male, the cheerleading squad has been co-ed since 1972.

In addition to their cheering duties, the TCU Basketball Cheerleaders also serve as goodwill ambassadors for the university. They make appearances at community events, schools and hospitals, and participate in a number of service projects throughout the year.

History

The TCU basketball Cheerleaders are a highly respected and honored part of TCU athletics. The squad is made up of all-female students who promote School Spirit at men’s and women’s basketball games In addition to their duties at sporting events, the cheerleaders also make public appearances, perform in pep rallies and lead the student section in cheers.

The TCU basketball Cheerleaders have a long and rich history dating back to the early days of the school. In fact, the first recorded mention of the squad was in a 1904 issue of The Horned Frog, the campus newspaper at the time. The article reported on a pep rally held before a ball game against Baylor University “In spite of the lukewarmness displayed by some parts of the student body…the yells led by ‘Sis’ Daugherty and her band of girl rooters aroused much pep,” the article stated.

The cheerleaders were originally known as the “Honeybees” or the “Coed Cats,” but in later years they became known simply as the “TCU Cheerleaders.” In 1921, they were outfitted in their first uniform: white sweaters with purple stripes down the sleeves and a small purple “TC” on their chests. Over the years, their uniforms have evolved to reflect changing fashion trends, but they have always maintained their purple and white colors to show their loyalty to TCU.

Through the years, many traditions have been established by the TCU basketball Cheerleaders. One such tradition is their annual appearance in Fort Worth’s Main Street Arts Festival Parade. This event allows them to showcase their talents in front of a large crowd and show their school pride to locals and visitors alike

The Squad

The squad is made up of 12 women who are all LSU students. Each member of the squad has her own specific job, whether it’s leading cheers, dancing or throwing basketballs into the stands. The team is very close-knit and they say that being a TCU cheerleader is like being part of a family.

The Coaches

The Tcu basketball cheerleading squad is led by Head Coach Ainsley Thompson and Assistant Coach Abbey Church. Ainsley, a former TCU cheerleader herself, has been coaching for 6 years. Abbey started her coaching career at a High School in Wisconsin before coming to TCU. Both coaches are nationally certified through the Universal Cheerleaders Association.

The Routine

The Routine
The TCU basketball Cheerleaders have a lot of pep in their step and they bring it to every performance. Here’s a look at what goes into their game day routine.

Before the game, the cheerleaders stretch and do a short warm-up to get their muscles ready. They also review the cheers and dances they’ll be doing during timeouts and at other points in the game.

When it’s time to take the court, the cheerleaders enter with a lot of energy and enthusiasm. They lead the crowd in cheers, get them on their feet and dancing, and generally help create a fun and festive atmosphere. During timeouts, they perform routines that are high-energy and often acrobatic.

At halftime, the cheerleaders entertain the crowd with another fun routine. And after the game, they help lead the fans in a “We Will Win” chant as the team celebrates its victory.

Game Day

The TCU basketball Cheerleaders are a vital part of the game day experience. They work tirelessly to ensure that the fans are engaged and excited throughout the game. From their iconic purple dresses to their signature handstands, the TCU Basketball Cheerleaders are true professionals.

Leading up to game day the cheerleaders can be found working out in the gym, perfecting their routines. On game day, they arrive early to set up their equipment and prepare for the big day When it’s time for tip-off, they take their places on the court and get ready to cheer on the Horned Frogs

Throughout the game, the cheerleaders perform a variety of routines that include tumbling, dancing, and stunting. They also lead the crowd in cheers and chants. Their goal is to keep the energy high and help the Horned Frogs stay focused on the task at hand: winning!

After the final buzzer sounds, the cheerleaders remain on the court to celebrate with the team and fans. They know that their hard work has contributed to another victory for TCU!

Community Service

The TCU Basketball Cheerleaders are more than just a sideline presence at men’s basketball games They are also committed to giving back to the community, spending countless hours each year working with local organizations and schools.

Whether it’s visiting hospitalized children, collecting donations for the Salvation Army or mentoring young girls the TCU Basketball Cheerleaders take their responsibility as role models seriously. They are an enthusiastic and dedicated group who truly embody the TCU values of service and tradition.

What It Takes to Be a Cheerleader

Being a TCU cheerleader isn’t just about being able to tumble and chant — it’s a demanding, hour-a-day commitment that requires dedicating yourself to the squad, the school and the sport.

“I think people don’t realize how much time we put into it,” said Shelby Romine, a senior TCU cheerleader. “We have practice every day for two hours, and then we have lifting and conditioning three times a week. And on game days, we’re there six hours before tip-off.”

In addition to their on-the-court duties, the TCU cheerleaders are also responsible for representing the university at various events throughout the year, from pep rallies and parades to alumni functions and charity events.

The squad is made up of 12 girls, all of whom must maintain a full course load while also cheering on the Horned Frogs at home games and away games throughout the season.

tryouts

The TCU basketball cheerleaders are selected through a tryout process that starts in mid-April and continues through the first week of May. Tryouts are for current TCU students only. A panel of judges evaluates each candidate on her dance skills, personal interviews, game-day spirit, academics and community service.

FAQ

Q: How many TCU basketball cheerleaders are there?

A: There are twenty-four TCU basketball cheerleaders. Twelve of them are chosen to be part of the dance team and the other twelve are chosen to be part of the stunt team.

Q: What do the TCU basketball cheerleaders do?

A: The dance team performs at all home games and at some away games. They also make appearances at other events, such as pep rallies and community service projects. The stunt team performs at all home games and at some away games. They also compete against other collegiate stunt teams at competitions throughout the year.

Q: How do I become a TCU basketball cheerleader?

A: You must be a full-time student at TCU and have a 2.5 GPA or higher to be eligible to try out. Tryouts are held in April, and only students who have been accepted to TCU are eligible to try out.