It’s hard to believe, but tryouts for the 2025 – 2026 cheerleading season will be here before we know it! May might feel far away right now, but the key to a successful tryout (or as we call them, Assessment Clinics) is preparation, and now is the perfect time to start setting goals. 

Whether your athlete is returning for another season or stepping into our competitive program for the first time, a little extra effort now can make all the difference.

Why Start Now?

1. Skill Progression Takes Time
   Building tumbling, stunting, and flexibility skills aren’t something that happens overnight. Cheerleading skills are developed through repetition, proper technique, and consistent effort. Starting early ensures athletes can confidently demonstrate their individual abilities at tryouts in May and group abilities during the 4-week evaluation period in June​.
2. Beat the Tryout Rush
   Waiting until the last minute to prepare can lead to unnecessary stress – for both athletes and parents. A head start allows for gradual improvement and lets athletes focus on refining their strengths instead of trying to learn new skills in two weeks before Assessment Clinics.
3. Set the Tone for the Season
   While tryouts happen in May and June, coaches are constantly evaluating an athlete’s abilities, motivation, progression, teamwork, leadership, and consistency throughout the season. Establishing your personal cheer goals early allows our coaches to identify opportunities, give you homework to complete, and check in on your progress. It also builds momentum and motivation that carries into the season.

What Goals Should Athletes Focus On?

Goal setting should be SMART – specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, and timely. Here are a few ideas to consider:

• Tumbling: Work towards mastering new skills, like cartwheel back walkover for Prep Level 1 or cartwheel back walkover back walkover switch and jump back walkover series for Elite Level 1 (Not sure what level skills your athlete should target for their goals? Talk to their coach for feedback, class suggestions, and homework!)
• Flexibility & Strength: Flyers, this is your time to shine! Stretching your air positions including scorpions, heel stretches, scales, and bow-and-arrows can make a big difference in your individual skills evaluation. 
• Jumps: Aiming for higher, sharper toe touches or hurdler jumps can add that “wow” factor judges love. These are foundational skills that every athlete can polish.
• Stunting Basics: For bases and backspots, refining technique and increasing strength are crucial for safety and execution.

How Can Pegasus Help You And Your Athlete?

We know parents are busy balancing schedules, and that’s why we’re here to support you and your athlete every step of the way. Pegasus offers several ways for your athlete to advance. These include:

• Recreational Tumbling Classes: Perfect for mastering foundational skills and learning new ones in a fun, supportive environment.
• Private & Semi-Private Lessons: One-on-one or one-on-two attention to tackle specific skills or get extra reps on stunts and tumbling.
• Clinics & Workshops: Our specialized clinics focus on areas like jumps, flexibility, or tumbling sequences.
• Monthly Goal Check-ins: Encourage your athlete to attend open gym times, complete homework assigned by their coach, or schedule progress evaluations with a coach.

Cheerleading Is Worth The Effort

Cheerleading is more than just a sport – it’s a journey of growth, teamwork, and confidence building. By setting goals now, athletes learn valuable life skills like accountability, resilience, and time management. Plus, the friendships and memories they’ll make along the way are priceless​.

One of our parents, Kaela, put it best: “I like cheerleading because of the confidence my child gained from mastering new abilities.”

Tips For Parents

As cheer parents, your support means everything! Here are a few ways to help your athlete succeed:

1. Encourage Consistency: Help your athlete stick to their weekly training schedule and celebrate small wins. Start a conditioning or skill tracking sheet at home on poster board that they can check off and see their progress. 
2. Communicate Goals: Share your child’s aspirations with their coach! This partnership ensures everyone is working towards the same target.
3. Provide Tools for Success: Consider investing in at-home equipment like resistance bands, dumbbells, a panel mat, or even a lightweight tumble track for practice. However, there are lots of drills your athlete can complete at home that only require their body weight! 
4. Focus on the Big Picture: Remind your athlete that effort and attitude throughout the whole season are just as important as skills during tryouts. Our coaches are constantly evaluating athletes for the next season and their effort and attitude make a big difference on team or stream placement. 

Let’s Make This Season the Best Yet