Iona University Cheerleading
The Iona University Cheer Team is a dynamic, high-performing program dedicated to building Gael spirit and representing Iona with excellence. Members develop strong cheer, dance, and tumbling technique while supporting athletic events and major campus traditions.
The team proudly competes at the UCA College Nationals in Orlando, Florida, showcasing their commitment, precision and athleticism on a national stage. Cheerleaders are ambassadors of energy and sportsmanship— unifying the campus community through pride and purpose.
As a freshman, I was nervous and unsure about trying out for the cheer team. Making the team pushed me to work harder, build my skills, and grow my confidence. Through dedication and perseverance, I developed not only as an athlete but as a leader. Cheer has become incredibly meaningful to me, giving me unforgettable experiences, lifelong friendships, and keeping me involved on campus. It has led me to become captain, where I now have the privilege of leading such a dedicated team.
Join Iona Cheer if you are looking to:
- Be a part of a growing and ambitious team.
- Develop your skills in dance, cheer, stunts and tumbling.
- Play a leading and supporting role in multiple on and off campus activities.
- Learn leadership and perseverance through hard work and dedication!
What to Expect
Performances
The Cheer Team performs on campus including
- Iona Men's and Women's Basketball games (approximately 30 games) and at various campus and local events.
- We compete at UCA College Nationals in Orlando, FL in January.
- We travel to the MAAC Tournament in March in Atlantic City, NJ.
Responsibilities
Iona Cheerleaders should attain the necessary athletic skills, be team oriented and have school spirit. Members must be dedicated to representing the school and their team in a professional manner. Being a part of the Cheer Team is a rewarding and fun experience, but also comes with commitment to ALL practices, games and performances. Each Cheerleader is required to maintain a minimum 2.5 GPA. Cheerleaders are also responsible for covering all expenses related to uniforms, travel, and other team-related costs throughout the season.
Time Commitment
- Full year commitment
- 3 practices a week (3 hours each), held in the late afternoon/evening.
- 2-3 summer practices
- Weekly running and conditioning (all year)
- Attendance at weekly games, which include home Men and Women's Basketball games, monthly team bonding, and other community-based events.
- Team bonding, community service, workouts and study hours will be shared when you make the team.
CHEERLEADING TRYOUTS
Please complete this brief interest form to get started.
2026 Spring Tryouts
Date: Sunday, April 26
Location: Schoenfeld Gym - Bronxville Campus
Time: TBD
2026 Accepted Students Days
Two Clinics Corresponding with Accepted Students:
Date: Sunday, March 22
Location: Schoenfeld Gym - Bronxville Campus
Time: 3 - 5 p.m. (arrive at least 15 minutes before)
Date: Sunday, April 12
Location: Schoenfeld Gym - Bronxville Campus
Time: 3 - 5 p.m. (arrive at least 15 minutes before)
TRYOUT FAQ’S
No, all IU cheerleading practices and tryouts are CLOSED to spectators.
Water bottle, lunch/snacks, braces/wrap (if used), positive attitude and an open mindset!
Yes, we will take alternates. Alternates can earn a spot on the competitive floor at any time.
Yes! We strongly encourage tumbling, but this is NOT a current requirement. You are evaluated on multiple cheerleading skills.
- Clothing: Fitted athletic t-shirt or tank, sports bra, spandex and/or athletic shorts, cheer sneakers. NO baggy tshirts.
- Game Day Ready Hair/Make Up
- A slicked back ponytail
- Performance ready make up
- NO JEWELRY is permitted to be worn, we follow all USA Cheer rules and regulations.
- Fingernails MUST be cut/filed short. No tips/acrylic nails. We will turn away athletes whose nails pose a safety risk.
Material
This playlist contains five videos which will help you learn the Fight Song Cheer:
- Fight Song with Music
- Fight Song (Music Only)
- Fight Song BACK with counts
- Fight Song FRONT with counts
- Full Cheer – FRONT and BACK
TRYOUT REQUIREMENTS
Stunting (Required):
- J Up to extension
- Straight up lib
- Clean dismount (pop off or cradle)
- Shoulder stand
Stunting (Preferred):
- Lib full down
- Single leg body position
- Switch up
- Full up
- Round off up
- BHS up
Jumps (required)
- Two jumps (one toe touch + jump of choice)
Tumbling
Not a requirement, however strongly encouraged.
Preferred Standing skills:
- BHS
- Tuck
Preferred Running Skills:
- R/O BHS or R/O Tuck
- R/O BHS Tuck
- Specialty passes
Coed Skills
Please email mvlad@iona.edu for tryout requirements. Stunting expectations for Coed tryouts are Toss hands pop off or step to hands pop off.
Please note that other complimentary/equal skills will also be taken into consideration in addition to overall sense of enthusiasm, contribution and spirit. We expect proper technique to be used for all skills. Changes to tryout material are at the discretion of the Head Coach.
IMPORTANT DATES
TRYOUTS
TBD
UCA Camp
Temple University
TBD
*Mandatory event for all team members*
We practice three days per week. Team bonding, community service, workouts and study hours will be shared when you make the team.
Social Media
Instagram: @ionacheer
Contact
Head Coach: Melanie Velez
Assistant Coach: Nicole Flaherty
Email: performingarts@iona.edu
