The Evolution of TCU's Showgirls
They began nearly 50 years ago as part of the Horned Frog Marching Band. Today, the TCU Showgirls take center stage during halftime at football and basketball games, as well as atop the dugout during baseball games.
They are part of TCU's spirit corps, which also includes SuperFrog, the cheer squad and the Rangers. With 24 members, the Showgirls are the largest cheer group. Their high-energy performances are enhanced by flashy costumes, including custom-designed Justin boots.
“The TCU Showgirls are recognized as part of TCU Athletics but do not compete in NCAA events, so they are not formally recognized as an athletics team,” said Ryan Peck, senior deputy athletics director.
The Showgirls receive similar benefits to athletic teams, including travel, uniforms and access to the athlete dining hall.
“While historically the Showgirls were seen more as an entertainment squad, their role within TCU Athletics, and the larger landscape, has evolved over time,” Peck said.
The team was established in 1976 as part of the marching band. They became an independent program in 2000. To get to center stage, the program has undergone many changes — from uniforms and campus recognition to staffing.
Since its founding, the Showgirls have amassed a large following and earned national attention. With approximately 34,300 followers on Instagram, the Showgirls have become a staple of TCU and the Fort Worth community.
As captain of the team, Tatum Hall, a senior biology major on the pre-med track, views this spotlight as a place to thrive.
“Being the captain of the TCU Showgirls is a role that carries great responsibility," Hall said. "As captain, I strive to be a role model not only for the women within the organization but also as a proud representative of the program."
Being part of the team is a major time commitment during both the fall and spring semesters. Members have practices three times a week, two days of strength training and performances at various sporting events.
Hundreds of applicants vie for limited roster spots.
Auditions begin in April, with selections announced near the end of the month. Anyone who wishes to be part of the team must go through the tryout process, including Showgirl veterans. From incoming first-years to third-years, cuts can happen at any time.
“If you have the opportunity to continue dancing alongside other inspiring women and serve as an ambassador for the university, take it," Hall said. "This experience has profoundly impacted my life, and my time at TCU would not have been the same without this incredible organization."
Original TCU Showgirls performing at Homecoming. (Photo courtesy of the Mary Couts Burnett Library)
Original TCU Showgirls performing at Homecoming. (Photo courtesy of the Mary Couts Burnett Library)
1996 Showgirls waiting for the Mayfest parade to start. (Photo courtesy of Fort Worth Memories III)
1996 Showgirls waiting for the Mayfest parade to start. (Photo courtesy of Fort Worth Memories III)
TCU Showgirls performing at halftime of a men’s basketball game at the Schollmaier in February. (TCU Showgirls/Instagram)
TCU Showgirls performing at halftime of a men’s basketball game at the Schollmaier in February. (TCU Showgirls/Instagram)
TCU Showgirls performing during halftime at a football game in Amon G. Carter Stadium last September. (TCU Showgirls/Instagram)
TCU Showgirls performing during halftime at a football game in Amon G. Carter Stadium last September. (TCU Showgirls/Instagram)
The Showgirls' impact has proven lasting, as alumnae of the organization credit their professional successes, both in and outside of dance, to their time on the team.
Anna Kate Sundvold, a former Showgirl and returning member of the 2025-26 Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders, is a prime example.
Sundvold was a member of the Showgirls for four years and team captain for two before becoming a Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader.
She credits the skills she learned as captain of the Showgirls with helping her balance a full-time job as a financial planner and being a professional NFL cheerleader.
“The Showgirls taught me a lot about being disciplined and ensured that whatever activities I was involved in, I was putting 100% into each one,” Sundvold said. “The organization helped me place a high standard on myself throughout college, which has positively transitioned into my new roles.”
She was joined on the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders' roster by Trinity Miles and recent retiree Kaydianna Davis Garza.
The connection between the Showgirls and the DCC is undeniable. In fact, approximately seven Showgirls have gone on to become Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders.
“Showgirls is a great transition into a pro-style NFL team," Sundvold said. "The Showgirls have high expectations for the dancers."
Like the team itself, the staff who uphold these expectations have also evolved. After 18 years, Lindsay Westbrook stepped down as TCU spirit director, and Brittani McLaurin was hired.
McLaurin was hired in July 2024, making her the first African American in this role. She not only oversees the Showgirls, but also the cheer program, TCU Rangers and SuperFrog.
In a 2024 interview with TCU360, McLaurin said, “The opportunity came up at TCU and I took a leap of faith again and I just had to do it. I truly believe this is where God wanted me to be.”
With a dance career spanning more than 30 years, McLaurin has ample experience working with spirit programs, both as a member and a coach.
“Brittani McLaurin was chosen after a nationwide search due to her extensive experience and leadership in dance and spirit programs,” Peck said. “Her leadership is critical in advancing TCU’s spirit programs and ensuring they meet the highest standards.”
McLaurin said she hopes to increase performance both on and off the field.
“I want people to look at TCU Spirit and know what we’re all about," she said.
While these internal changes may not be noticeable, the constant evolution of the Showgirls’ uniforms are.
When she spoke to TCU360 in 2014, former coach Lindsey Westbrook described the uniforms as “cute, flashy and sparkly.”
The first Showgirl uniforms, featuring half-tops and miniskirts, were considered quite revealing and challenged the cultural expectations of a private Christian university in the 1980s and '90s.
These uniforms closely resembled gymnastic-style leotards but have since evolved into a western look, featuring fringe, rhinestones and cowgirl boots.
It was in 2010 when the custom white Justin boots became a staple of the Showgirls’ attire. The boots, along with their Western-inspired uniform, are on display in the College Football Hall of Fame in Atlanta.
The Hall of Fame uniform is just one of many, however. The Showgirls have approximately 14 uniforms that change depending on the event and season. Each year, one to two uniforms are retired to make way for new styles.
Despite all these changes, the Showgirls' mission remains the same: to serve as representatives of TCU, foster a community of belonging and generate enthusiasm at athletic and community events.
“The Showgirls are vital in showcasing the spirit and culture of TCU,” Peck said. “Their high visibility at athletic events, community engagements and other university activities contributes to TCU’s brand.”
TCU Showgirls perform a basketball game halftime show in their original uniforms. (Photo courtesy of TCU)
TCU Showgirls perform a basketball game halftime show in their original uniforms. (Photo courtesy of TCU)
Showgirls’ basketball uniform in 2014. (Photo courtesy of AP)
Showgirls’ basketball uniform in 2014. (Photo courtesy of AP)
Custom Justin boots designed for the TCU Showgirls were introduced in 2010. (Photo courtesy of TCU Showgirls)
Custom Justin boots designed for the TCU Showgirls were introduced in 2010. (Photo courtesy of TCU Showgirls)
One of the Showgirls’ basketball uniforms from the 2024-25 season. (TCU Showgirls/Instagram)
One of the Showgirls’ basketball uniforms from the 2024-25 season. (TCU Showgirls/Instagram)
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