Spirit Squad - Cheerleaders General Information
The University of Wisconsin Cheerleaders are a proud and respected group of collegiate athletes. The UW Cheerleading program includes both a Coed team and an All-Girl team, each dedicated to supporting Badger athletics in every aspect. Both teams cheer at football games—home and away—as well as at women’s volleyball, men’s basketball, and women’s basketball games. In addition, they participate in public relations events and university functions throughout the season.
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Highlights of each season include traveling across the Big Ten and experiencing the excitement of supporting the Badgers on the road. From bowl games to Big Ten and NCAA tournaments, the University of Wisconsin Cheerleading team brings Badger spirit to fields and courts nationwide, turning them Red and White!
More than just athletes, the UW Cheerleaders are also ambassadors who proudly represent the University of Wisconsin.
Time Commitment
The cheerleading season, which spans multiple sports—including football, volleyball, and basketball—runs from approximately mid-August through the conclusion of the basketball season in March. Please note that there are mandatory practices, games, and public relations events scheduled during times when school is not in session, including summer practices. As a result, cheerleaders must be available during Thanksgiving, Winter Break, and Spring Break due to the success of Badger sports in bowl games and postseason tournaments for volleyball and basketball.
Cheerleaders must be prepared for a rigorous schedule that demands dedication, teamwork, and flexibility, including occasional evening and weekend commitments. The season is a rewarding experience that combines athleticism with school spirit, allowing cheerleaders to form close bonds with teammates and the broader Badger community.
Practice
During the school year, the Squad practices approximately three nights per week for three hours each. In addition to practice the team also lifts two days per week for approximately one hour. In the summertime, the Squad typically has four practice weekends (May, June, July, and August) and attends UCA Camp.Â
Football Games
The team begins preparing for the football season during summer practices and continues with regular practices starting in mid-August. The season runs from early September through December, with the potential for a bowl game during Winter Break. Each member proudly represents Badger Red at Camp Randall Stadium on every game day—starting with pep rallies and concluding with the beloved Fifth Quarter tradition, performed by the best band in the land: the UW Marching Band. The time commitment for a typical football game day is approximately six hours.
Volleyball Games
The team begins supporting Wisconsin Women’s Volleyball as the season kicks off in late August, continuing through the fall and into postseason play. Matches are held in the electric atmosphere of the UW Field House, where cheerleaders energize the crowd and showcase their school spirit from the first serve to match point. With the Badgers consistently ranked among the nation’s top volleyball programs, the season often extends into the NCAA Tournament, demanding high energy and full commitment from the team.
Each match day includes pre-match warmups, fan interaction, and dynamic sideline performances, creating an unforgettable experience for Badger fans. The time commitment for a typical volleyball match day is approximately four hours. Through their presence and passion, UW Cheerleaders proudly represent Badger Red and elevate the game-day experience for one of the university’s most successful women’s sports teams.
Basketball Games
The cheerleading season continues into winter as the team supports both Men’s and Women’s Basketball from October through March, with the potential for postseason play extending into the NCAA and Big Ten tournaments. Home games are held at the Kohl Center, where cheerleaders energize the crowd, lead traditions, and create an vibrant game-day atmosphere. From tip-off to final buzzer, the team proudly supports Badger Red—fueling the intensity on the court and keeping fans engaged. With nationally competitive basketball programs, the season often includes travel for tournament games across the country. A typical game day commitment is approximately four to five hours.
PR Events
A variety of PR events are scheduled year-round. Some events are voluntary while others are mandatory. These events often include spreading the Badger Spirit at parades, pep rallies, and various university functions. During Homecoming week, with Badger Spirit at its best, there are approximately 3-5 mandatory events.
Away Games
Away travel is a key part of the cheerleading experience, providing opportunities to support the Badgers on the road throughout the football, volleyball, and basketball seasons. Traveling with the teams to away games and tournaments across the Big Ten and beyond, cheerleaders represent UW with pride and enthusiasm. These trips often require extended time commitments, including travel days and overnight stays, and are essential for maintaining team spirit and rallying fans at every venue.
