Frequently Asked Questions

WHAT ARE ALL-STAR CHEERLEADERS?

All-Stars are known as "competitive" or "performance" cheerleaders. All-Star Cheerleading is a team sport that combines gymnastics, acrobatics, partner stunting, pyramid building, dancing, and jumping into synchronized, high energy, constant motion routines that must be performed within 2 minutes and 30 seconds. All-Star teams, which are made up of members from various schools and locations, with the primary focus being on performance and competition, compete in different divisions and are judged similar to the way gymnastics or ice skating is judged. Competition cheerleading is one of America's fastest growing sports and receives national TV coverage (on ESPN, CBS, FOX SPORTS, and the USA NETWORK) in recent years at the high school, All-Star, and College levels.

CAN I BE AN ALL-STAR CHEERLEADER?

ABSOLUTELY! West Coast Extreme believes that with the right training, anyone can become an All-Star cheerleader! About 75% of our cheerleaders come to WCE without any training. We teach you everything you need to know about cheerleading and competitions. Throughout the year with commitment, our teams compete locally and regionally, preparing for Nationals. West Coast Extreme is the largest and best cheerleading program in Oregon & Washington, not only will we train you to be the best you can be, we have A BLAST doing it! WCE has a NO-CUT policy, everyone makes a team!

WHAT IF I HAVE NEVER CHEERED BEFORE?

That's ok! Most of the kids that come to our program have little or no cheerleading experience, they were new to cheerleading too! Our staff will teach you everything you need to know about cheerleading! We believe that with the right training, anyone can become a great cheerleader! The BEST INSTRUCTION makes ALL THE DIFFERENCE!

WHY DO I HAVE TO TRYOUT?

All though West Coast Extreme has a no cut program, tryouts are necessary for team placement based on current and future skill. We will look at your age, overall skill level, potential, ability to work with others, and coach-ability. At West Coast Extreme EVERYONE MAKES A COMPETITIVE TEAM!

WHAT KIND OF CHEERLEADERS ARE YOU LOOKING FOR?

West Coast Extreme is looking for cheerleaders that will represent our teams with pride, respect, dedication, spirit, and that want to have FUN!

CAN I DO AN ALL-STAR TEAM AND SCHOOL CHEERLEADING?

Absolutely! If you have the energy and the parent support, go for it! We have several current team members that cheer on their school team at WCE. We ask that West Coast Extreme be the first priority for practice and performances. To perform at the level that WCE is committed to, we need everyone at practice.

HOW LONG IS THE SEASON?

Our season begins in April, right after tryouts! You will receive 5-7 weeks off throughout the competitive year. (2 week summer break, Thanksgiving break, Christmas break, etc)

HOW MANY TIMES DO YOU COMPETE?

• We usually compete between 6-8 times in Oregon and Washington (Local & Regional competitions)
• And 1-2 times at out of state such as Vancouver BC, California, Florida, and Nevada. (National competitions - team dependant)
• We are committed to not over exhausting our teams, and keeping their experience fun!

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?

Team costs are different for each team. A list is available for you in our packet of information. We always try to keep costs at a minimum. We understand that financial obligation can be tough for some families, we do not want this to stop people from coming to our facility! We believe that everyone deserves the opportunity for athletic enrichment, therefore our Parent Association has several fundraising opportunities to offset the costs!

TRYOUT DATE?

After our yearly tryouts in April you can contact a Program Director to set up a private tryout. Generally we will have you join an age appropriate team practice and assess your skills during that practice. We try to keep it pressure free.

A brief parent meeting will be held at the beginning of each scheduled tryout! Parental support is a vital part of a successful program. We will be answering any questions parents may have about our program, fundraisers, etc. If you are interested in becoming a part of the parent board or booster club, contact a Program Director. 503-639-9454

WHAT SHOULD I WEAR?

Shorts, a t-shirt or a tank top, and athletic shoes. Hair in a ponytail with bangs clipped back, NO JEWELRY WILL BE ALLOWED! Come prepared to jump, stunt, tumble, dance, cheer and most of all, have a GREAT TIME!