HPU Cheerleading FAQs
What does the cheer scholarship include?
We offer tuition scholarships to newly selected cheerleaders who are incoming HPU students (including graduate students) and current cheer team members. The cheer scholarship is a tuition waiver only. All other fees and expenses are not included in this scholarship. Please check our website for more details in December 2009.
What are you looking for in your cheerleaders?
We are looking for energetic, talented, and spirited cheerleaders who have experience in competitive cheerleading. These individuals must have strong academic goals and time management skills, as well as a positive work ethic, respect for self and others, and be dedicated to representing the university and the cheer program in a professional fashion.
What type of cheer squads does HPU have?
We currently have a Small Coed and Large Coed cheer team, as well as a mascot position. In competition, the Small Coed team is only allowed a maximum of 4 male participants, whereas, the Coed team is allowed a maximum of 11 male participants.
What are the cheerleader’s schedules like?
A cheerleader’s schedule is very full. A lot of time is dedicated to school work and classes, cheer practice, games and other events. Some cheerleaders find time to hold part time jobs, however, HPU views academics and cheer responsibilities as top priorities.
What is practice schedule?
The cheer teams practice 3 times per week. However, during the spring semester (nationals season) additional practices may be scheduled.
Fall - MWF Practice
Small Coed: 8:30-11:00am
Coed: 11:00-1:30pm
(In the spring, the teams will switch practice times.)
Are cheerleaders allowed to go home for Christmas break?
Cheerleaders are allowed to go home during the Christmas break; however, specific dates will be given at the beginning of the fall semester. Cheer team members should not make flight arrangements for the holidays without consulting the Head Cheer Coach first.
Is there a certain look that is required of cheer team members?
Yes, all of our cheerleaders must maintain a professional image and be in good physical condition.
What sports do the cheerleaders cheer for?
Cheerleaders cheer for the men’s and women’s basketball, and women’s volleyball programs. We also host and participate in pep rallies, club carnivals, and other school events.
Where is Hawai`i Pacific University located?
HPU is located in Honolulu on the island of Oahu. HPU has two campuses, one in downtown Honolulu and the other in Kaneohe on the windward side of the island. The cheer program falls under the Center for Student Life and First-Year Programs (SL/FYP), a department of the Student Affairs Division. The address and phone number for the SL/FYP are 1188 Fort Street Mall, Suite 105, Honolulu, HI 96813 and (808) 544-0277.
What are the living arrangements for cheerleaders like?
Both the Residence Life Office and Center for Off-Campus Housing are good resources for both on and off campus housing options. However, a lot of cheerleaders live in houses or apartments with other cheerleaders in and around the downtown area (Punchbowl, Nu`uanu, Makiki, Mo`ili`ili, Kaimuki, Ala Moana, and Waikiki). Although finding affordable and convenient housing can be a challenge for new team members, proper and advanced planning and preparation will make the search easier.
Do your teams have to fundraise and participate in community service?
Yes, all cheer team members actively fundraise for our national competition. We participate in carwashes and team calendar sales, as well as solicit private and corporate donations. There are also a number of community service projects that we participate in including Cop on Top, a benefit for Special Olympics.
What competitions does HPU compete in?
We compete in the NCA Collegiate Nationals in Daytona Beach, Florida every April. The HPU cheer teams participate in this competition only.
What are your requirements in order to make the squad?
You MUST be accepted to HPU prior to tryouts. Otherwise, this will delay your tryout process. You The HPU cheer tryout and program information located on our website at www.hpu.edu/cheer. Please refer to this website in November/December for updated tryout information for the following year. A “toe back” is the minimum requirement for ALL cheerleaders.
When are tryouts?
Live tryouts are usually held in mid-April for the next school year. Videotaped tryouts are due in our office by this time as well. We will accept late videos; however, late entries may be subject to a waiting list. Scholarship amounts are determined according to tryout results.
Is there more of an advantage if I come to live auditions instead of submitting a video tape?
No. All applicants will be evaluated and considered with the same regard.
Who should I contact should I have any other questions?
For specific cheer questions, please contact Head Cheer Coach, Garrin Gosnell, cheer@hpu.edu or 808-566-2477. For general scholarship questions, please contact Associate Director, Spirit Programs, Adrienne Lampitelli, alampitelli@hpu.edu or 808-687-7012.
