The Cheer team at a football game.

Spirit Squad

If you're looking for the source of USD Game Day energy, you're in the right spot! The Spirit Squad consists of the cheerleading program, dance program and our beloved Charlie Coyote mascot. We take a lot of pride in our Yote Spirit and as a fellow supporter of the Yotes, we know you do too.

EXPLORE USD ATHLETICS

The Spirit Squad supports the athletic teams while fulfilling roles as university ambassadors; each and every member of the spirit program believes strongly in that role.

See us on the sidelines at football games and basketball games leading the crowd, generating enthusiasm and working hard to engage our fans. As ambassadors for the entire university, though, our support extends beyond the courts and fields. You'll also find us at alumni, community and charity events, and anywhere else in need of heightened school spirit.

Go Yotes!




Get Recruited

Interested in joining one of our teams? Click the links down below to try out, or request an appearance from the USD Spirit Squad.

Join our Pack

Bring the Energy

Our spirit squads are a source of Game Day energy, and you can be a part of them or request our teams at one of your events.

The USD All-Girl Team is comprised of approximately 12-16 athletes. The USD Coed Cheer Team is comprised of approximately 7-9 coed couples. These numbers can fluctuate from year to year given the needs of the team. Both squads cheer at all home football games, away football games (and post season), volleyball, and men's and women's basketball (and post season).

Get Recruited

Are you looking to become a member of the USD cheer team? We are always looking for talented, dedicated and hard-working athletes for our program.

Cheer Team Recruiting Form

You can see our dance team at many events throughout the year including home football, volleyball (post season), and home men’s and women’s basketball (post season) games. Our team also participates in the UDA college camp and competes at the UDA nationals.

If you would like the USD dance to appear at your event, please complete the appearance request form.

Get Recruited

Are you looking to become a member of the USD dance team? We are always looking for talented, dedicated and hard-working athletes for our program.

Dance Team Recruiting Form

Think you've got what it takes to be THE Charlie Coyote, and/or do you have prior experience as a school mascot? You can fill out our mascot recruiting form to try out to represent the Coyotes as Charlie Coyote.

Mascot Recruiting Form

The University of South Dakota is proud to offer opportunities for students to tryout for the spirit squad. The team performs and travels to support USD throughout the season. The program is open to any incoming or current student to USD. Tryout times, location, and other details are outlined below.

Cheer - Tryouts 

April 29 - May 1, 2022

Register for Cheer Tryouts

Dance - Tryouts 

April 8 - 10, 2022

Register for Dance Tryouts

Any conflicts or concerns about tryouts? Email SpiritTeams@usd.edu with any questions.

Skills Clinics

Cheer Clinics

Sign Up to Attend a Cheer Clinic

Dance Clinics

Sign Up to Attend a Dance Clinic

If you have any questions or concerns, contact us at (605)-658-3564 or email SpiritTeams@usd.edu.

Spirit Squad Request Form

Cheerleaders and dancers mingle and hype up guests with basic fight songs or cheers. If you would like a routine at your event please detail what is expected below and we will do our best to fulfill your request. You must provide USD Fight Song music if needed.

Reminder for Spirit Squad Appearances:
  1. Requests must be received at least two weeks prior to the event date. 
  2. A private and secure changing room is requested for cheerleaders and dancers, but is required for Charlie (no public changing rooms).
  3. Water must be provided for Charlie at all events.
  4. Costumes will NOT be loaned or rented.
  5. Charlie appearances at wedding receptions must be at the onset of the reception before any beverages are served. The hourly charge for Charlie will begin from the arrival of the event to departure of event

Spirit Squad Appearance Request Form

The USD Cheer team posing for a group picture on the center of campus.

Reach Out with Questions

Contact us at (605)-658-3564 or email SpiritTeams@usd.edu with any questions.

Contact Us
A USD Spirit Squad Member smiling and cheering with poms.

Cheer with Us

You can cheer alongside us by supporting from the stands as a Coyote Crazy, USD's premier student success and fan group.

Become a Crazy

hear from a usd alum

Success story Bailey Kahle smiling.
I formed some of my favorite memories as a member of the USD Dance Team as I was able to attend home sporting events and travel alongside some of the teams. I also enjoyed being involved in the Greek Life Community. Through these activities I was able to build friendships both in and outside of my major.

Bailey Kahle

B.S.Ed. Elementary Education '22
4th Grade Teacher, Waukee Elementary School
Waukee, Iowa

Take the Next Step