Spirit squad excited for Game Day

Sun Devil Spirit Squad

About the Sun Devil Spirit Squad

The ASU Spirit Squad is the official cheer and dance team of Sun Devil Athletics. The Spirit Squad is an integral part of the fan experience at all home and away football games, men's and women's basketball games, as well as some volleyball and baseball games and numerous events on campus and in the community.  

Working in conjunction with the Sun Devil Marching Band to enhance Sun Devil pride and school spirit, you'll see the Spirit Squad performing during pregame, halftime, timeouts and on the sidelines of sporting events throughout the season.

The squad consists of multiple teams, including:

  • Cheerleaders: Perform energetic routines, stunts and tumbling at ASU athletic events.
  • Sun Devil Dance Team: This team specializes in jazz, pom and hip-hop and performs at games, community events and competitions.
  • Sparky the Sun Devil: ASU’s mascot, bringing enthusiasm to events.

Spirit Squad ambassadors: Represent ASU at community and university functions.

Join the Spirit Squad

The ASU Spirit Squad, which includes the dance and cheer teams. The organization promotes school spirit and interest in college activities and performs and supports athletic programs. Members have the opportunity to sharpen dance techniques, develop positive personal character and provide quality family entertainment for large audiences.
 

Tryouts

Tryouts for both the cheer and dance teams are held each spring for eligible candidates (March through May) for the upcoming season. 

Cheer and dance audition prep clinics are offered in January, February and March of each year leading up to tryouts. Audition prep clinics are open to any high school or college students who might be interested in learning the skills necessary to participate in Sun Devil Spirit Squad.

To be a part of the Spirit Squad (dance team or cheer), you must:

  • Apply by completing the Gold Form (ASU Sun Devil Marching Band application).
  • Review and complete the Spirit Squad dance and Spirit Squadheer tryout packets (updated and available each January).
  • Applicants must submit the completed application and a signed model release and indemnity form.
  • Additionally, candidates must audition during the spring season before their performance year. 

Spirit Squad Dance Team auditions

Stay tuned for next year’s dance team application.

2025

  • Application is due March 20
  • Video auditions will be due by March 29

For those who advance after the video audition, in-person auditions by invitation will be held in Tempe on May 2 and 3.  

If you have any questions, please email:
Bianca Caryl, Spirit Squad dance program director, at b.caryl@asu.edu

Spirit Leaders (co-ed cheer) auditions

Spirit Squad cheer program coordinator: Mary Tennyson   
Email: tennysonmary17@gmail.com 

Link to cheer team application here!

Check out the cheer tryout packet here

  • Application is due April 13
  • Video auditions will be due by April 21  

For those who advance after the video audition, in-person auditions by invitation will be held in Tempe on May 9 and 10. 

ASU Dance team picture on the field in uniforms
ASU Cheer team doing a pyramid

Application and forms

The Gold Form is the official ASU Sun Devil Marching Band application. All members, regardless of section, must complete this form by the date indicated to be considered for the marching season. 

Community fee and registration
Members who are not ASU students but would like to participate in the program and attend a community college are considered community members. Each member must pay the $350 fee to participate in the Sun Devil Marching Band. You can pay this fee online through our automated system. The link will be made available in May. 

*Once you fill out the form, leadership will contact you in May to answer any questions you might have and guide you through getting ready for the season. Leadership will also distribute the music for placement auditions. 

 

2025 Spirit Leader pre-tryout camps and clinics

Registration is now open for spirit leader tryout prep clinics

  • February 8, 10 a.m.–1 p.m. 
  • March 22, 10 a.m.–1 p.m. 
  • April 12, 10 a.m.–1 p.m. 

Meet the 2024-25 Spirit Squad

 

Spirit Squad posing for team photo in front of Mountain America Stadium

 

Spirit Squad on social media

@SunDevilSpiritSquad (Facebook)

@ASUSpiritSquad (X)

@ASUSpiritSquad (Instagram)

@ASUDanceTeam (Instagram)

Spirit Squad history

The Spirit Squad traces its roots back to the early days of ASU athletics, evolving alongside the university’s sports programs. Initially focused on cheerleading, the squad expanded to include a dance team, Sparky the Sun Devil, ambassador roles and an alumni group.

National recognition

Over the years, the ASU Spirit Squad has earned national titles and competitive accolades in cheerleading and dance. Their performances at major collegiate events, such as bowl games and NCAA tournaments, have solidified their reputation as a premier spirit program.

 

Spirit Squad College Nationals Record

  • First place in D1A Jazz (three-peat)
  • First place in Spirit Showdown
  • First place in Jazz Battle
  • First place in D1A Pom

  • First place in D1A Jazz
  • Second place in D1A Pom
  • Third place in Spirit Showdown
    • A game day category competition
  • Won the Pom Battle
    • Includes all divisions competing in the College Nationals

  • First place in D1A Jazz
  • Second Place in D1A Pom

Spirit Squad alumni club

In September 2021, the ASU Alumni Association established the Spirit Squad Club to unite its former members. Led by President Allyson Bingham, a 2018 graduate and former Spirit Squad captain, the club aims to foster connections among alumni and support the current squad. We invite you to take advantage of opportunities the club offers to meet and reconnect with your fellow alumni, rekindle old friendships and network — all while promoting our alma mater and having a great time.

Learn more about the Spirit Squad alumni club

Spirit Squad live

Did you know Sparky and the ASU Spirit Squad regularly attend charity events, school functions, and even ASU alumni weddings? Sparky and the Spirit Squad are ready to bring the Sun Devil spirit with high-energy performances, interactive experiences, and plenty of photo opportunities, whether a corporate gathering, community event, or special celebration. Book Sparky and the ASU Spirit Squad today to make your event unforgettable!


Book the Spirit Squad