University of North Dakota Athletics

Welcome Skaters
We’re thrilled to see your interest in joining the University of North Dakota’s esteemed Hockey Cheer Team! Our program is built on a foundation of excellence—on and off the ice—and we’re always eager to welcome talented figure skaters to our team. As a member of our team, you’ll have the chance to showcase your skills at games, events, and special appearances throughout the year. With access to top-tier coaching and training, we’ll help you reach your full potential and shine. But being part of our team is about so much more than figure skating. It’s about building lifelong friendships, developing leadership skills, and representing the University of North Dakota with pride, passion, and unwavering spirit. If you’re ready to take your figure skating career to the next level and join something truly special, we encourage you to apply today. We can’t wait to see the energy, talent, and dedication you’ll bring to our team. - Coach Laurel 

Commitment 
Summer

• Physicals and Pre-Season Training Camp (July)       
• Season Prep-Week (August)

Fall

• Practice 2x Per Week
• Open Ice 2x Per Week
• Strength Training 2x Per Week
• All Home Hockey Games
• Select Home Volleyball and Football Games 
• Select Fundraising Events

Spring 

• Practice 2x Per Week
• Open Ice 2x Per Week
• Strength Training 2x Per Week
• All Home Hockey Games
• Season-End Showcase 
• NCHC & NCAA Post-Season Tournaments Select Fundraising Events

Final Commitment

• Approximately $150. Dues are subject to change. 
• Costs associated with early arrival on campus (travel, housing, dining)

Application Requirements

Levels
To be eligible to apply, you must have passed Silver Skating Skills and Pre-Bronze Singles. ISI figure skaters should include their current test levels in the application.

Application
The application asks about your skating experience, educational background, and notable achievements. You'll also use this form to upload your required video and letter of recommendation. Application Link. 

Video
Applicants must submit an official recruitment video featuring the following sections:
1. Introduction
2. Required Skills
3. Skills Showcase
4. Individual Solo
5. Synchronized Skills
6. Cheer & Dance Skills

Please ensure the video is filmed horizontally in clear, high-quality footage. The Required Skills and Skills Showcase sections must be recorded in one continuous take without cuts. Videos should be uploaded to YouTube or Google Drive for submission.

Prep Clinic
To ensure we get to see your skills in action, we ask all prospective team members to attend at least one of our 2025 Prep Clinics. These clinics provide an invaluable opportunity for you to skate alongside our current team, practice choreography and footwork, and participate in off-ice elements that highlight your strengths. We’ve scheduled two clinic dates for your convenience:

Saturday, January 18, 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Saturday, February 22, 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Letter of Recommendation
Joining the North Dakota Hockey Cheer Team is about more than just skills and technique—it’s also about demonstrating strong character, a solid work ethic, and serving as a role model in the community. Your letter of recommendation should be written by a coach or another trusted adult in your life (not a family member).

Official Recruitment Video

1. Introduction
Provide a brief introduction that includes your name, hometown, cheer and figure skating background, current skill levels, and your reasons for wanting to join the North Dakota Hockey Cheer Team.

2. Required Skills

• Jumps
  • Loop with arms overhead
  • Split jump or Russian split jump
  • Axel
• Spins
  • Backspin with arms overhead
  • Sit spin or sit spin variation
  • Layback spin
  • Flying camel spin 

• Field Elements
  • Change-edge spiral (outside to inside or inside to outside)
  • Choice of Ina Bauer, Spread Eagle or Leg Lift 

3. Skills Showcase

• 2 jumps of your choice
• 2 spins of your choice
• 2 field elements of your choice

4. Individual Solo 
An on-ice individual solo that highlights jumps, spins, footwork, and spiral elements. This should not be a standard free skate program, but instead a program created for this recruitment video that showcases upbeat cheer-style choreography. 1:30 min-max. Poms are optional. 

5. Synchronized Skills 
Learn the circle footwork and perform it to upbeat music. We ask that you collaborate with 1-2 others (such as a coach or fellow skater) to learn and perform this sequence together, as we want to see how you demonstrate your synchronized skating skills. The instructional video will be available on February 1st.

6. Cheer and Dance Skills
Learn and perform the following material, performing each item twice. Instructional videos will be available starting February 1st.

• UND Fight Song
• Band Dance
• Filler Dance

Timeline & Next Steps

Timeline

• January 18: Prep Clinic #1
• February 1: Instructional Video Content Released February 22: Prep Clinic #2
• March 1: Application Deadline 
• April 1: Official Team Roster Announced

Interview
After reviewing your application, we will reach out to selected candidates to schedule a virtual interview. This interview will provide an opportunity for us to get to know you better, discuss your goals, and explore your passion for joining our team.

Questions
Any questions about the recruitment process can be emailed to Head Coach, Laurel Sanderson at laurpeabody@gmail.com. We wish you the best of luck in the recruitment process. 

Thank you!