🎓 University Cheerleading Level 4: A New Option to Discover (S2.19)
- janie724
- Jul 26
- 3 min read
Episode of January 28, 2025
In this episode of the Kick’s Cheer Podcast, we explore an exciting opportunity for cheerleading athletes: University Level 4! 🎀 A great option to keep performing, improving, and living your passion while pursuing your studies. 🏆📚
🆕 A novelty in the world of university cheer
When you think of college cheerleading, you immediately think of Level 7 — the highest level offered, reserved for experienced athletes. But this year, a new category has emerged: University/Collegiate Level 4. Yes, yes, it exists now, and it's official!
In this episode, Janie shares the story behind the creation of the first Level 4 university team in Quebec, at McGill, and what it can represent for the development of cheer at the post-secondary level.
🤔 Why create a university-level 4 team?
The McGill coach explains that he had more than 60 athletes at his tryouts this year, many of whom had talent in dance, gymnastics, or diving, but no experience in cheerleading. Result? It's impossible to integrate them into a level 7 team, which requires a solid cheer base.
That's where the idea sprouted: why not create a level 4 university team, where these athletes could learn the basics, progress at their own pace, and, above all, have their first university cheer experience in a more accessible setting?
✅ A solution for athletes… and coaches
Creating a level 4 team is beneficial for:
Athletes with little experience who still want to continue cheer after high school.
Injured athletes or those less comfortable with the very advanced elements of level 7.
Universities that are just starting out in cheerleading and don't yet have the necessary guidance or coaches to manage a level 7 team.
Development coaches, who can start at a more accessible level.
💡 "It's less pressure, more fun, and a real gateway into the world of university cheer."
🏫 And in other universities?
McGill is not the only one seeing a surge in interest. Universities like Sherbrooke, Montreal, Laval, and others have several dozen athletes at the selections. But with only one or two level 7 teams, many talents are left out.
Level 4 could become a valuable option for absorbing this pool of motivated athletes while ensuring the succession of high-level teams in the years to come.
💥 Is it less impressive?
Not at all! A well-executed level 4, with dynamic choreography, solid transitions, and great energy, can be just as spectacular as a level 7. You just have to adjust the technical expectations. And then, everyone starts somewhere, right?
Even some coaches invited to the podcast admit, "Placing a stunt perfectly at level 4 is sometimes more difficult than a poorly executed level 7 stunt!"
🔮 The future of university level 4
What the organizers hope is that more and more universities will follow suit. The Quebec Student Sports Network (RSEQ) officially recognizes a division only when there are at least 4 teams.
And who knows? Maybe one day we will also see a university-level 5 to allow for an even more gradual transition between levels.
📢 A call to coaches and universities
If you are a coach, administrator, or athlete, go for it! The message of the podcast is clear:
"No need to start at the top." Level 4 is a great way to build a solid, accessible, and sustainable program.
📅 Next Rendez-Vous: Kick's Celebration!
The university-level 4 teams will take their first steps in competition during the Kick's Celebration: Mario event. Come cheer them on, see this new level in action, and discover the future of university cheerleading in Quebec!
👉 Did you enjoy this episode? Subscribe, share the podcast, and most importantly... tell your university about it!
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