DePaul University Athletics
DePaul Cheer
ABOUT US
The DePaul University Spirit Program is compromised of DePaul Cheer, the DePaul Dance Team, the DIBS Mascot Program and the Screamin’ Demons Pep Band. Collectively, they promote school spirit, provide an awesome game day experience and serve as brand ambassadors for DePaul University.
The Cheer Team is led by head coach Francine Dilay and assistant coach Patrick Greiner. The team’s primary purpose is game day - including men’s and women’s basketball and volleyball matches, alongside additional campus and community events. Members of the team travel to the BIG EAST Men’s and Women’s Basketball Championships and any potential March Madness games.
The team hosts tryouts each spring, typically in May, with additional fall tryouts as needed. If you are interested in trying out, please contact a member of the coaching staff.
COMPETITION
The DePaul Cheer Team is also a competition squad, participating at NCA Collegiate Nationals in Daytona each April. In 2025, the team finished 9th in the Intermediate Small Coed Division I category. Depending on the team makeup, the program has occasionally competed All-Girl, finishing top 5 in 2023.
PRACTICES
Team practices are typically held on Tuesday and Thursday nights, as well as Sunday morning. The cheer team will have one weekly session with DePaul Sports Performance and team members are asked to commit to a workout program in order to maintain physical health and stamina.
General health and injuries are managed with the support of the team's assigned athletic trainer from DePaul Sports Medicine. Annual physicals with the DePaul team doctors are required.
GAME TICKETS AND OTHER RESOURCES
Members of the Cheer and Dance Teams have access to complimentary tickets for friends and family to attend DePaul volleyball, men's and women's basketball home games. These tickets must be requested each game and are limited in quantity.
Our team members also have access to many of the Athletic Department resources, such as the fuel station, academic support and study hall spaces, life skills programming and department events like our end of year banquet and award show, the BILLYS.
FINANCIAL COMMITMENTS
Team members are expected to fundraise to help support our program. General gameday and uniform expenses are covered by the Athletic Department budget, however, extra items - including but not limited to camp and competition- require fundraising dollars. The coaching staff can discuss that with you in more detail.
SUMMER AND WINTER BREAK EXPECTATIONS
DePaul Cheer is a 10-month commitment. The season begins in July, with a week dedicated to preparation and summer camp.
Due to DePaul's quarter system schedule, cheerleaders are expected to remain in the Chicagoland area through the winter intersession in order to practice and perform at scheduled basketball games. Out of state students and/or those living on campus should discuss their individual situations with the coaching staff. The best effort will be made to provide each athlete with as much time off as possible without impacting our performance schedule. For the cheer team, nationals choreography is taught during this time.
CAMPS AND CLINICS
The team hosts several clinics throughout the year, including our annual kids clinic and prep clinics designed for those who plan to audition for the team. To learn more about our clinics, visit our clinic website.