AIKEN, S.C. – The University of South Carolina Aiken is pleased to announce the Spirit Squad, which is a newly formed team that will start during of the 2020-21 campaign.

This team will be a cutting-edge athletic team that will be an integral part of USC Aiken athletic events. On the court, the Spirit Squad will showcase their complex choreography while also keeping the crowd involved. Off the court, the squad will appear at multiple community service events each year on behalf of USC Aiken.

The members of the team are an integral part of the gameday atmosphere, promoting good sportsmanship and adding to the unforgettable experience at USC Aiken.

Under the direction of Kristin Allen and Corey Burns, the group will consist of well-rounded student-athletes. The team will consist of varying levels of dance and cheer training. 

Student-athletes on the team will be required to be enrolled full time and be in good standing academically at USC Aiken (above a 2.0 GPA). The squad will follow NCAA and academic guidelines and will be part of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC).  

The team will have components of both cheer and dance and will feature up to 24 student-athletes. The squad will be on the sidelines during the men's and women's basketball games while performing on the court during timeouts and halftime.

Virtual and in-person tryouts for the team will be announced in the near future. For questions not answered below, please send an e-mail to brenth@usca.edu.

F.A.Q.

I've always been on a cheer team or a dance team. How is this team different?

The USC Aiken Spirit Squad is an entirely new team that will utilize the skills of the students to the best of their ability as one combined team.

What is the purpose of this team?

With one Spirit Squad, the entire team will be under the same coaches and requirements. The team will provide a positive gameday experience at the home basketball games (and possibly select volleyball matches). The team will perform on the sideline, during timeouts and also at halftime. Outside of gameday, the squad will also put forth a positive light with community service and local appearances throughout the academic year.

When will tryouts take place?

A virtual tryout for newcomers may take place over the summer and in-person tryouts will take place in the fall prior to school starting or the first week of school. More information will be posted on PacerSports.com throughout the summer.

The sideline routines have been different for each of the teams. Do I have to learn something completely new?

The coaching staff will ensure that everyone on the team be taught one style for each of the sideline routines, which will stay the same for years to come. This allows alumni to come back and perform with the team on the court, which is a highlight that is truly appreciated and valued.

What does this mean about scholarships?

The scholarships will remain the same as in previous years for the student-athletes at $100 per semester.

How many people will be on the team?

The hope of the institution is to have up to 24 student-athletes on the team by the second year with the max being 28.

How often are practices?

Practices will be weekly during the fall and spring semesters.