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Cheerleading Tryouts: More Like a Beauty Pageant?
In a bizarre turn of events, the University of Washington’s cheerleading squad faced national backlash for their tryouts poster that seemed more suited for a beauty pageant than a sports team. The now-removed poster laid out over 20 specific beauty standards for potential cheerleaders, including demands for false eyelashes and nude nail polish. Critics quickly pointed out that cheerleading is fundamentally about athletic ability and skill, not just looks.
As a former cheer captain myself, I understand the importance of putting your best foot forward on game day—maybe a bit of blush here and there—but this was over the top. Imagine trying to nail a backflip while ensuring your falsies look fresh or that your “girl about town” lipstick is just right. The absurdity of it all was evident when the poster was posted on the squad’s Facebook page and swiftly taken down the next morning after an official deemed it inconsistent with the values of the UW spirit program.
A member of the spirit leadership team created the graphic in response to frequent inquiries about cheer and dance tryouts, but the rationale fell flat when it came to why they insisted on cheerleaders sporting only a black sports bra and shorts. The poster sparked outrage both on campus and online, prompting the Associated Students of the University of Washington to denounce it as objectifying and perpetuating barriers to opportunities for all students.
Many former cheerleaders, like Sarah Carter, expressed embarrassment over the poster’s ridiculous tips. “I had an incredible experience back in the day, but these guidelines? It’s just wrong,” she shared, recalling a time when cheerleading was all about teamwork and talent rather than superficiality. On the flip side, some defended the poster, arguing that cheerleaders should look polished. But can’t we agree that all personalities should have a place on a cheer squad?
Let’s not forget that cheerleading, which has roots dating back to 1898, is a legitimate sport. Initially focused on boosting school spirit, it has evolved into a competitive discipline demanding strength, grace, and agility. Just tune into an ESPN cheerleading competition to see athletes performing stunts that would make even gymnasts envious.
Hopefully, next year’s tryout poster will shift focus back to the multifaceted skills students need to master, rather than how to apply makeup or choose the perfect outfit. For more on home insemination and related topics, check out this article on our blog.
In summary, the cheerleading tryout poster at the University of Washington drew widespread criticism for its focus on appearance over athletic ability, highlighting the ongoing debate about the nature of cheerleading as a sport.