It is loud. That is the first thing you notice when you step onto the turf at SECU Stadium. The "Testudo Smash" is vibrating through the soles of your shoes, and the Maryland marching band is hitting those opening notes of the fight song. Right in the middle of that chaos stands the University of Maryland cheer team. Honestly, if you think they’re just there to look good in red and white, you’ve clearly never seen a basket toss go twenty feet into the air.
Being a cheerleader at UMD isn’t just about spirit. It’s a high-stakes, physically grueling commitment that bridges the gap between traditional sideline support and elite-level competitive stunting. They are athletes. Period.
The Reality of the University of Maryland Cheer Grind
People see the Saturday games. They don't see the 6:00 AM weight room sessions or the bruised shins from practicing elite transitions on a hard mat in the XFINITY Center. The University of Maryland cheer program actually consists of two distinct squads: the All-Girl team and the Coed team. Both are powerhouse programs, but they bring different vibes to the floor.
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The All-Girl squad is all about precision and timing. Because they don't have the brute strength of male bases, their stunts rely on flawless technique and "basing" in groups to propel flyers into the air. It’s a literal physics puzzle. Meanwhile, the Coed team features those iconic "toss stunts" where a single male athlete launches a flyer over his head with one hand. It’s terrifying to watch if you aren't used to it, but for these Terps, it’s just Tuesday.
Most people don't realize that these athletes are there for almost every major sport. You’ll see them at football games, sure. But they are also the backbone of the atmosphere for Men’s and Women’s Basketball. Have you ever tried to stay energized and keep a crowd of 17,000 people screaming when the Terps are down by ten in the second half? It’s exhausting.
Why the Big Ten Transition Changed Everything
When Maryland moved from the ACC to the Big Ten back in 2014, everything got bigger. The stadiums got bigger. The crowds got meaner. The stakes for the spirit programs skyrocketed. Suddenly, the University of Maryland cheer teams were traveling to places like Penn State and Michigan, where the environments are notoriously hostile.
This shift forced the program to level up. You can't just clap and smile in a stadium with 100,000 people. You need stunts that can be seen from the nosebleed seats. You need "showmanship" that cuts through the noise. This era defined the modern Terrapin cheerleader—tougher, louder, and more athletic than ever before.
Tryouts: Where Dreams Sorta Go to Die (Unless You're Elite)
Getting onto this team is hard. Like, really hard. UMD doesn't just look for people who can do a back flip. They want "ambassadors." If you're looking to join the University of Maryland cheer ranks, you have to survive a multi-day evaluation that looks more like a combine than a dance recital.
- Tumblin’ Requirements: You basically need a standing back tuck and a running layout or full twist just to be in the conversation.
- The Look: Not "pageant" look, but "gameday" look. Clean, professional, and ready to represent a massive state university.
- The Interview: This is the part that trips people up. They’ll ask you about Maryland history. They want to know if you actually care about the school or if you just want the gear.
- Stunting: You’ll be paired with random people to see how quickly you can adapt. If you can’t hit a solid stunt with a stranger, you’re out.
There is a misconception that these athletes get full rides. Honestly, that isn't the case for most cheer programs in the country, Maryland included. While there are some small scholarships and stipends available, most of these students are doing it for the love of the game and the chance to stand on that sideline. They balance 20+ hours of practice a week with rigorous UMCP academics. It’s a lot.
NCA Nationals and the Competitive Edge
While the sidelines are the public face, the "National Council for Accreditation" (NCA) Collegiate National Championship in Daytona Beach is the soul of the program. This is where the University of Maryland cheer squad proves they aren't just "support" staff.
The sand. The blue mat. The humidity. It’s iconic.
Maryland has a long history of being a top-tier contender in Daytona. They compete against schools like Louisville, Oklahoma State, and Navarro (yeah, the "Cheer" Netflix school). In the competitive world, UMD is known for having a "clean" style. They don't do messy transitions. Everything is sharp. They've historically placed incredibly well in the Large Coed and All-Girl divisions, often bringing home top-five finishes that get buried in the back of the sports section because they aren't football or basketball.
But talk to any athlete who has competed on that mat. They’ll tell you it’s more intense than any game at SECU Stadium. You have two minutes and fifteen seconds to be perfect. One slip, one dropped foot, and the entire year of work is basically wasted.
The Famous "Flash" and Terp Traditions
You can’t talk about Maryland spirit without mentioning the traditions. The "Maryland My Maryland" song (though controversial and changed over the years) and the "Victory Song" are staples. But the cheerleaders are the ones who manage the flags—those massive "M-A-R-Y-L-A-N-D" flags that sprint across the endzone after a touchdown.
The sheer strength required to run a 15-pound flag against a 20-mph wind while sprinting is underrated. Usually, it's the newer guys on the coed squad who get stuck with this, and it’s basically an initiation ritual.
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The Injury Factor Nobody Talks About
We need to be real for a second. Cheerleading is one of the most dangerous activities for female athletes. The University of Maryland cheer program takes safety incredibly seriously—they have dedicated athletic trainers and strict concussion protocols—but the risk is always there.
When you're throwing a 110-pound human twenty feet into the air, things happen. Ankles roll. Wrists strain. I’ve seen flyers come down with bloody noses and keep smiling because the music hasn't stopped yet. That’s a specific kind of toughness you don't find in many other sports. They don't get "bench time" or "timeouts" to recover mid-routine. You hit, or you don't.
How to Support the Program
If you're a fan, the best thing you can do is actually participate. When the cheerleaders hold up those "LOUD" signs, they aren't suggestions. The program relies heavily on the energy of the student section—the "Pride" or the "Reeds."
Also, look out for their clinics. The University of Maryland cheer team often hosts "Youth Days" where local kids can learn stunts from the college athletes. It’s a major fundraiser for their travel to Nationals, and it’s usually the best way to see the "human" side of these elite athletes.
Future Outlook: What’s Next for Maryland Cheer?
The landscape of college sports is shifting with NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness). We're starting to see cheerleaders at big schools like Maryland get brand deals. Because they have huge social media followings and high visibility, some of these athletes are finally getting paid for their influence. This is a game-changer for a sport that has historically been "pay-to-play" at the competitive level.
Maryland is also leaning harder into the "spirit program" model, which integrates the cheerleaders, the dance team (the Terpettes), and the mascot (Testudo). It’s a unified front.
Actionable Steps for Aspiring Terp Cheerleaders:
- Master the Basics: Don't worry about a double-full if your standing tuck is sloppy. UMD coaches value "clean" over "fancy."
- Conditioning is Key: Start a collegiate-level lifting program. You need explosive leg power for tumbling and incredible core strength for stunting.
- Attend a Stunt Clinic: This is the only way to get "on the radar" before tryouts. It’s essentially a pre-interview.
- Research the History: Know who Coach Joi Cunningham is. Understand the program's legacy. Showing you’ve done your homework matters during the interview portion of tryouts.
- Stay Flexible: Literally and figuratively. Positions on the team change based on the needs of the pyramid. A flyer who can base is ten times more valuable than one who can't.
The University of Maryland cheer program is a powerhouse of athleticism hidden behind pom-poms and "Go Terps" signs. Whether they are on the sidelines of a frigid November football game or the sunny mats of Daytona, they represent the heart of College Park. Next time you see them, look past the uniforms. You're watching some of the most disciplined athletes on campus.