UTSA POM SQUAD

THE UTSA POM SQUAD IS COMPRISED OF TRAINED AND TALENTED DANCERS, UTILIZING THEIR SKILL AND TECHNIQUE IN MULTIPLE STYLES INCLUDING JAZZ, POM, AND HIP HOP. THE POM SQUAD PERFORMS AND CHEERS AT ALL HOME FOOTBALL GAMES, MEN'S AND WOMEN'S BASKETBALL GAMES, AND VARIOUS UNIVERSITY EVENTS AS A PART OF THE SPIRIT OF SAN ANTONIO MARCHING BAND. OUR PERFORMERS ARE DEDICATED, TALENTED, AND ONE OF A KIND! WE STRIVE TO REPRESENT AND SUPPORT OUR ATHLETIC TEAMS, OUR UNIVERSITY, AND MOST IMPORTANTLY THE GREAT STATE OF TEXAS!

CLINICS!

We do offer clinics through out the academic year!

Offered to High School age and up

What is the Spirit of San Antonio Pom Squad?
FAQ’s

DO I HAVE TO ATTEND UTSA TO BE ON THE POM SQUAD?

You must be enrolled at UTSA in order to be on the POM SQUAD. The Pom squad is an official part of the SOSA Marching band and is an official class. Each member MUST take the 1, 2, or 3 credit class once on the squad. Fall class/rehearsals are held Mon/wed 6-9:30pm and Fri. 7-9:30pm. 

what does the sosa pom squad do?

The SOSA Pom Squad performs and cheers at all home football games, men’s and women’s basketball games, and various University events as a part of the Spirit of San Antonio Marching Band. Our performers are dedicated, talented, and one of a kind! We strive to represent and support our athletics teams, our University, and the great state of Texas!

The team performs at half time each home game as a part of SOSA (Spirit of San Antonio). When on the Pom Squad you are a member of the marching band. We rehearse with the marching band and attend band camp before the fall semester begins.

During home games, our team cheers and dances on the sidelines of the Alamodome. Any time music is playing - we are dancing!

SOSA learns multiple different half time shows through out the fall season. You can expect to learn AT LEAST 4 different half-time shows (ranging between 4-5 minutes long) as well as perform a 12 minute pre-game series (done at every home game).

Pom also performs 3rd quarter time out routines aimed to spice up the game day atmosphere and connect with the student body of UTSA. 3rd quarter time outs vary in style and length. 2024 marked the first year that all SOSA (Spirit of San Antonio) Auxiliaries (pom, colorguard, twirl) performed a timeout together! This performance was led and created by the student leaders of the SOSA Auxiliaries. We hope to make this a yearly tradition.

What does a typical rehearsal/practice day look like?

With the many performances we partake in - rehearsals move quickly. We practice as a team every Monday and Wednesday for approx. 1.5-2 hours before join the band proper of SOSA outside on the practice field. Friday practices may or may not include isolated pom squad sectional time. This will be determined by the needs of SOSA and the weekly football schedules. Rehearsals consists of warmups, learning and cleaning choreography, and producing performances. Members can expect to be taught and led by Coach and choreographer, Ashli Kelly, as well as student leaders.

Do we work on technique, skills, tricks, etc at practice?

The team is asked to do the majority of technique, strength training, and conditioning outside of scheduled rehearsals. Members are expected to come to rehearsal ready to produce performances asked of the team. This includes sideline routines, halftime shows as a part of the band, 3rd quarter time outs, pre-game series, etc. Isolated skills, tricks, individual highlights and choreographies will be rehearsed when such things are meant to be a part of given routines and upcoming performances. Students will never been sent out to perform without knowing exactly what is expected.

Does the pom squad compete?

The focus of the SOSA Pom Squad is to attend and support athletic events and other campus activities. Our goal is share, create, and promote school spirit. Competition is not our focus. We are aiming to expand our presence to Volleyball and Soccer games.

are there fees involved with being a part of sosa pom squad?

Yes. Each season members will be asked to pay a uniform and equipment fee of $50. Members will also be asked to purchase certain items associated with the team. Members keep these items. Items include but are not limited to - boots, tennis shoes, biker shorts, leggings, long sleeve top, socks, practice skirt, etc.

2025 AUDITIONS!!

For our auditions for the 2025 - 2026 will include a virtual PORTION as well as an in person final round!

videos are to be submitted via email, cuts will be made based off of videos we receive. those that make it through the virtual portion will be asked to come to our in person final round. May 4th, 2025 9Am - 5PM

See below for specific details concerning auditions…

WHAT TO DO:

1.) FIRST …….You will be need to fill out this —-> CLICK HERE <—— 🤙

2. ) SECOND …. Send in an audition video to utsapomauditions@gmail.com

VIDEO REQUIREMENTS: Due April 23rd, 2025 by MIDNIGHT!

* All those wanting to be considered for the 2025-26 team must have all of the following materials submitted on or before April 23rd, 2025 *

!!No Late Applications/videos Accepted!!

What to include in your video -

1. INTRODUCTION:
   Please take no longer than a minute or so to introduce yourself!
   - Who are you, why dance for UTSA, what do you what us to know about you?!

2. UTSA CHOREO:

   • Fight song click here

3. FULL DANCE PIECE:

   • Materials located HERE!!! — COMING SOON

4. EXTRA ELEMENTS:
   No more than 4- 8 counts of extra elements. Anything that is unique to you that you’d like to demonstrate and share, this is the place to do so.

   • EXAMPLE HERE!
     

What to expect after video submission -

As noted above - all video submissions are due by April 23rd, 2025 before midnight - following your video submission …

1. You will receive a confirmation email that lets you know your submission was received

2. April 28th, 2025 - emails will be sent out either thanking you for your submission (your journey ends there) or inviting you to join us for our in person auditions.

3. If you receive an invite to in person auditions - those will take place on Sunday May 4th, 9:00am-5:00pm, UTSA Main Campus.

FOR BOTH VIDEO & IN PERSON TRYOUTS:

• ATTIRE: PLEASE WEAR ANY TIGHT FITTING BLACK BOTTOMS (SHORTS OR LEGGINGS) AND ANY COLOR SPORTS BRA.
  MEN: WEAR BLACK BOTTOMS AND A FORM FITTING TOP

• HAIR & MAKE UP: GAME DAY READY. MAKE UP WITH LIPSTICK AND HAIR IN LOW PONEY TAIL. MEN, YOU CHOOSE!

• IN PERSON - PLEASE BRING LOTS OF WATER, SNACKS, AND MONEY FOR A LUNCH BREAK. BRING ALL DANCE SHOES AND TENNIS SHOES.

AUDITIONS - Frequently Asked Questions!

DO I HAVE TO ATTEND UTSA TO BE ON THE POM SQUAD?

You must be enrolled at UTSA in order to be on the POM SQUAD. The Pom squad is an official part of the SOSA Marching band and is an official class. Each member MUST take the 1, 2, or 3 credit class once on the squad. Fall class/rehearsals are held Mon/wed 6-9:30pm and Fri. 7-9:30pm. 

What should I bring to Auditions?

Water. Jazz shoes. Tennis shoes. Sweat towel. Snacks as desired. Money/food for lunch break.  

What Should I wear to auditions?

You are expected to show your most professional self at auditions. Please have hair and make up performance ready. Hair down. No jewelry. All attire must be fitted dance attire that will show case your body lines. Please wear black/dark athletic fitted bottoms I.E. leggings. And a fitted top of your choice. I.E. sports bra.

How is the Audition Structured?

In person auditions will begin with a short registration and check-in at 9:00am with auditions official auditions beginning at 9:30am. Participants can expect to be lead through a warmup & technical elements from the current pom squad coach. You will be evaluated through out this whole process. First round cuts will be made at this time. If you are invited to stay you will then partake in learning a short routine that you will perform in front of the judges in groups. Second round cuts will be made following the first routine. Lunch break. Those invited to stay for the final round will learn and perform a 2nd routine.

Please note that this a University team and we are a fast paced organization. Your ability to learn quickly is a big factor in considering placement on the team. As well as your approach and attitude through out the day. 

DO I NEEED TO PREPARE A SOLO?

No. You do not need to prepare an individual solo. HOWEVER, at some point during the audition process you will be asked to improvise and demonstrate and showcase your individual skills.

What skills will I be Expected to Demonstrate?

Though we can not fully list what skills will be asked of you…Skills asked of you might include, but are not limited to, the following:

right and left pirouettes (MUST have a triple)
turning second leap
fuete turns a la second
standard jete
calypso

More detailed information and other questions about requirements will be visited and answered at the clinics we hold through out the year as well as through our social media platforms.

CAN PEOPLE ATTEND AND WATCH THE CLINIC/AUDITIONS?

NO. All auditions and clinics are CLOSED. No outside persons are to be in the facility while auditions/clinic/classes are taking place. 

HOW MANY WILL MAKE THE SQUAD?

There is no set number for the squad. Amount of performers will be determined by the people in attendance and the dynamics of the room. All members of the squad re-audition each year.

DOES IT COST ANY MONEY TO PARTICIPATE IN THE AUDITION?

Yes. There is a $20 registration fee for in person auditions.

WHEN WILL I KNOW IF I MADE THE TEAM?

E-mails will be sent out within a week of the in person auditions informing you on your outcomes/status.

Will Housing be Provided for auditions? 

No. You will need to find your own accommodations for clinic/audition dates. There a few hotels near campus should you need a place to stay. 

What if I can't make the audition date?

If you are unable to attend our scheduled in-person audition date you must communicate that with the Director, Randi Miles at Randi.Miles@utsa.edu, as well as the current Pom squad coach. We will create a personalized plan/approach for you to still audition/participate. This is only for extreme circumstances. What is denoted as an “extreme circumstance” is up to the Directors’ discretion.

FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA!

INSTAGRAM: @utsapom

FACEBOOK: UTSA Pom Squad