| Handling College Tryouts | |
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You have experience and can do a back handspring in your sleep. No matter. The thought of a competitive tryout can quicken the pulse and get the nervous system going. Tryouts are not unlike tests. You can study and prepare but excessive nervousness can force you to perform at a level below your capabilities.
We took the time to survey several Division One college cheerleaders and coaches. Their suggestions are directed toward a competitive tryout at any level- junior high through college. Here's what they had to say about gearing up for that big day and making the squad.
College Cheerleaders' Advice:
Katie Gilmore
Seton Hall University
Sophomore, Holmdel, NJ
"Get ready physically by working out in the off season on your free time. Mentally
you have to be confident. Be happy cheering. Have confidence but also have fun.
Never stop smiling."
Abigail Remshifski
Seton Hall University
Freshman, Clifton, NJ
"Mentally be confident. Know your material. Make sure you have a good attitude.
You won't do well without a positive outlook. Know your physical abilities as
flexibility and stunting. Be prepared (in those areas). Overall, have a positive
outlook."
Janelle Finelli
Seton Hall University
Sophomore, Whippany, NJ
"The mental part is important. Confidence is a big part of Cheerleading. Have
fun and get into it smiling is a big part of Cheerleading. Get into physical
shape and maintain flexibility but remember that confidence is big."
Mellisa Crowley
Fordham University
Junior
"Try not to be nervous and just be yourself. Practice your skills and remember
to always smile."
Jennifer Carroll
Rutgers University
Freshman, Colonia, NJ
"Be natural and be yourself. Show spirit and emotion and know your technical
stuff. Be yourself but be happy naturally. Be able to show you are not shy and
you are excited to be out there."
Jaclyn Mattes
Iona College
Senior, Sowers, NY
"Have good motions especially arm motions. Have a lot of confidence and a good
loud voice."
Euka Nakagawa
Iona College
Sophomore, Hartsdale, NY
“Be confident. But everything you have into it and show you want to be out there.
Always have fun.”
Kristen Alfieri
Manhattan College
Freshman, Franklin Square (LI), NY
“Stick to your own routine and stay focused. Be confident and have a big smile.
A smile makes everyone (fans) happy and cheerleaders should be role models.”
Alyson Mezzarelli
Manhattan College
Freshman, West Babylon (LI), NY
“Get a good rest the night before (tryouts). Good over your routine in your
head. Remember your technical strengths, stretch out (before the tryout) and
perform to the best of your ability. Always have a smile and dress to impress,
that is, make sure you have a clean, white shirt, your clothes are neat, hair
tied back and your sneakers are clean.”
About Ray Floriani: Ray Floriani has been writing college basketball for over twenty years. He is a columnist with Eastern Basketball magazine, Basketball Times and College Hoops Insider. In 1998 he was cited by the Gazelle Group for his work in covering the Coaches vs. Cancer events and was chosen 1999 NIT Media Man of the Year. Contact Ray Floriani.
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