With a new season ahead, each team within the Spirit Program is looking for athletes who can bring both performance and commitment to the events. (Re-record)
Head coach of the Spirit program Isela Gomez said this year’s tryouts go beyond just technique looking for determined students.(RRCD)
“We’re looking for someone who is versatile in their schedule to be able to attend our many practices at early or late hours during the day. We’re also you know looking for people who really stand out at tryouts,” Gomez said.
She added academic commitment is just as important, with athletes expected to meet team and university standards.
Dance team captain Mariah Alvarado said tryouts will challenge athletes to be adaptable as the program continues to grow.
“Come in with a positive attitude, of course. You want to start off auditions really strong and come in adaptable. We’re going to be adding a lot of new additions for our tryout requirements this year because our mission is to grow the program,” Alvarado said.
She said standing out is not just about technique but about bringing individuality to each performance.
“We’re going to do pum, we’re going to do jazz, we’re going to do all these sort of things on the field, outside of the field, and you want to add your own little tweaks to it. You want to add your own sass, your own sort of style. So come in being yourself,” Alvarado said.
For Starline, Major Marc Creado said memorization and energy are important, especially when performing in large venues. (Record)
“There are times where we were learning routines the week of performances. Giving away our secrets. So this year we for this upcoming season, upcoming year we want to make sure that when we go into the season that we have everything completed as to routines, stand lines, side lines, you know making sure that everything’s ready and set to go because we practice a lot. To have everything memorized before everything is a big win for us,” Creado said.
He added that this year’s tryout process will begin with video submissions before selected athletes move on to in-person auditions.
Cheer captain Ariana Elizondo said preparation starts before tryout day.
“There’s two clinics before. They teach you how to, like the basic required skills, and then you learn the fight song and a little chant that goes along with it, and there’s also a tumbling portion and a little interview,” Elizondo said.
She said confidence and commitment is one of the most important qualities judges look for.
“ It’s more about confidence other than skill, like base, mainly because skills can be built throughout the season, but yeah, confidence and just commit to the program and to themselves too. I want to learn more, be better, like I want to be a good athlete,” Elizondo said.
Across all teams, Gomez said new members can expect a demanding but rewarding schedule.
“As a new team member you should expect to have an absolutely exciting college experience when you’re part of the spirit program. Yes, practices are early for cheer and dance teams and they’re late for the drill team but you build relationships that you’re never going to find anywhere else and they’re just so special building those connections with people that are your peers,” Gomez said.
With tryouts approaching in May, the Spirit Program continues to grow, offering athletes the opportunity to represent the university while being part of something bigger than themselves.
Students interested in signing up can visit UTRGV Spirit Program and contact them at spirit@utrgv.edu.
This is Carmen Gonzalez for Vaquero Radio.
