The Thunder cheerleading squad are among the most active and visible groups on campus, including cheering or dancing on the sidelines at football and basketball games, making public appearances at community and regional events.

The Thunder cheerleading squad consists of a group of young men and women who enjoy promoting school spirit, creating enthusiasm and entertaining fans at Thunder athletic events. The audience is treated to big basket tosses, partner stunts, and distinctive routines. They provide sideline entertainment and half-time performances.

Incoming freshman are eligible to earn the Trine University Cheerleading Scholarship! Freshmen who make the squad are eligible to earn a $1000 scholarship for each year that they remain on the cheerleading squad.

Trine University Cheerleading is broken down into two squads, Game Day and Competition. All Game Day cheerleaders are responsible for cheering at home football and basketball. Competition cheerleaders are responsible for all home football games and use the basketball season to focus on competition. Requirements differ for each squad and vary season to season depending on what the program is looking for.

Game Day- Tumbling not required though a back-hand-spring is preferred

Competition- Standing Tuck and Roundoff Back Tuck required

Want to Cheer for Trine? Trine University Cheerleading holds try-outs in the spring for the upcoming year. Try-outs are a one-day process where tumbling, stunting and dance abilities are evaluated. Anyone interested in trying out should contact head coach Christina Richardville.

2023-24 Tryouts

The Trine University Cheer program has announced that tryouts for the 2023-24 season will be held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, April 29. The event will take place int he main gym at Hershey Hall on Trine's campus.

Tryouts will carry a cost of 30 dollars which can be paid online during registration.

Those interested in trying out should read through the team's Tryout Packet, with any further questions being directed to Head Coach Christina Richardville by email at richardvillec@trine.edu or phone (269.665.4589)

Coach

Athletic Director Matt Land announced the hiring of Christina Richardville as the new head coach of the Trine University cheerleading team as well as the High Voltage Dance Team in August of 2023.

“Christina is the perfect choice to continue the excellence that has been Trine cheer and dance,” said Land. “Her firsthand experience at Trine will be a valuable asset for the success of both programs.”

Richardville is a Trine University graduate and was a member of the High Voltage Dance Team from 2014-17. She was a member of the 2015 squad that won the Cheer Ltd. National Championship for their jazz and hip-hop routine. She was able to choreograph routines for tryouts and judged tryouts for incoming and current dancers during her time with the team.

Most recently, she has served as a gymnastics coach at Gymnastics Michiana in Mishawaka, Indiana. She has coached groups of gymnasts ranging in skill between beginner to junior and she has also worked at the Patricia Krus School of Dance, The Dance Studio in Garrett, Indiana. She taught the competition team there as well as classes for younger dancers and is a national champion in group and solo dances.

“It’s exciting to be back on campus as the Head Cheer and Dance coach,” Coach Richardville stated. “We have an amazing group of cheerleaders and dancers that have been so welcoming to me and are ready to work hard this season. I am super thankful for this opportunity and excited for the success and growth of the program.”

Assistant Coach

Chris Fecteau was announced as the new Assistant Coach for the Trine University cheer team in July of 2021. 

Fecteau cheered for Hofstra University, winning the Small Coed Division 1 UCA College National title in 2012. During his time at Hofstra, he also won a European Open championship in Paris, France, as well as a World University title. 

After the conclusion of his collegiate career, Fecteau went onto compete at Allstar Cheerleading Worlds with Spirit Allstars, placing seventh in the country, and tenth in the world.Fecteau has an abundance of coaching experience from the youth to collegiate levels. His most recent stop was at Dartmouth College. In addition he has also taught at various camps and clinics across the country. 

Fecteau is also a certified motorcycle instructor, avid golfer, and loves art. He enjoys quality time with his Fiancee and their dog Cupid.

2022-23 Roster