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Head Coach Casey Faye Mills
As an undergrad Casey Faye Mills earned a bachelor's degree in elementary education with a minor in dance from Southern Illinois University of Carbondale. She has completed her special education certificate and is currently in graduate school for special education. At SIU, she was a member of the Saluki Shaker Dance Team all four years and was the captain for three years. After graduation, she was asked to join the SIU cheerleading coaching staff where she developed her love for college level coaching. She has coached at a variety of levels from middle school dance and cheer teams to state qualifying high school dance teams. She has competed nationally seven times and coached a nationally ranked dance team and four state ranked dance teams. At 15, she opened and ran her own cheer and dance studio for 12 years. Currently, she works in O'Fallon, Ill., as a special education teacher for students with emotional disturbances.Mills' life motto: "Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm."
Professional Certifications:
Bachelor's in Elementary Education
Special Education LBS1
AACCA - 10 years
SLU Spirit Teams Most Asked Questions
Team Size:All Girl Cheer and Dance Team = 14-20
Q: Are we a sport at SLU?
A: All Spirit Teams are part of the SLU Athletic Department!
Q:Are there any scholarships
A: Yes, the whole team!
Q: Do you compete?
A: No, not at this time.
Are there any financial obligations?
A: Yes.
Q: When are practices?
A: May-July - One night a week from 5-8. August-October - Two nights a week from 5-8 or 6-9. November - March - Three nights a week from 5-8 or 6-9
Q: Do old members have to tryout each year?
A: YES! No one keeps his or her spot from year to year!
Q: What are the requirements?
A: Please see the next section of this page.
Q: Do you have to stay around for SLU college Breaks?
A: YES! All men and women's basketball games, Atlantic 10 Conference Tournaments and other SLU public relations appearances are required even during SLU College Breaks. This is a requirement for all SLU Athletics!
Q: Can I be a Rams Cheerleader or Cardinals Girl and still do SLU Cheer or Dance Team?
A: Ram Cheerleader - No, a lot of conflicts arise throughout the year between their schedule and ours. Cards Girl -Yes! However, after SLU starts our team comes first.
SLU Cheer/Dance Team Requirements:
- Single Spin
- Double Spin
- Right and Left Leaps
- Two Chants - Taught at Tryouts
- Eight - eight count Funky Pom Routine - taught at tryouts
- Interview - Group Judging
- Tumble - two tumbling passes (one with less then handspring and advance pass with some aerial flip)
SLU Cheer/Dance Team
Friday Night April 4 from 6-9:00 - check in at 5:30
Saturday April 5 from 10:00-12:30pm - Final Day
Note:To tryout you must have a form or letter from your current doctor clearing you to tryout for a college cheer or dance team. Anyone trying out for the cheer or dance team must complete the following forms and bring them to tryouts or fax them to (314) 977-3183:
Please email Casey Faye Mills with any questions at sluspiritteams@gmail.com.
Tryout Information
Tryout Dates
1. The Student/Family Information Form
2. The Student Athlete Health Questionnaire
3. 5 x 7 - Photo Colored Head Shot (first and last name on the back of photo) - NOT BEING RETURNED
4. Release form from your current doctor - saying you are cleared to tryout for cheer/dance teams
